Erik: We want to channel our emotion for Sir Bobby
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says his team will look to channel the club-wide sadness felt by Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing into a performance that follows the high standards set by the late legend, against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
United face the Danish outfit on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League group stage, in the first game at Old Trafford since the sorrowful news of Sir Bobby’s death on Saturday.
Sat alongside full-back Diogo Dalot, Ten Hag previewed the fixture in his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon at Carrington, where he challenged his players to use the difficult feeling of recent days in the right way, just as was done during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, in the hours after the initial announcement.
Press conference: United v FC Copenhagen
Press conference | Erik ten Hag and Diogo Dalot spoke eloquently about Sir Bobby, before previewing Tuesday's match...
"Of course [we are concentrated on the game],” Erik said, speaking to reporters.
“We are professionals. It is our job, but you can't ban emotions. But use the emotions in the right way.
“I think Diogo did very good on Saturday, and he scored a goal in the memory of Bobby Charlton. I saw a goal from him [Sir Bobby], I think it was at Wembley, it was from distance like Diogo did. So, we use that in that way.”
Those standards have resonated at United even more in the days since the weekend's awful news, according to the boss.
“As you say, Bobby was a legend. A giant. Not only for Manchester United but for football,” Erik expressed, at the start of his pre-Copenhagen press conference.
“What he left were the standards. The high standards we have to live every day and of course, first of all, our thoughts are with his family. With his wife, with his children, with his grandchildren
“But what he meant for Manchester United, the importance, the standards he set, we have to live and the last couple of days, they were emphasised.”
How to pay your respects to Sir Bobby
ArticleFans can leave tributes for the United legend both online and at Old Trafford.
The manager expects an emotional feeling at the Theatre of Dreams for the Copenhagen game and hopes his players can pay another fitting tribute to the late legend with a positive result, in a key fixture, following two losses in as many matches so far in our European campaign.
“I think it is always special every night in Old Trafford,” Erik added.
“The fans are always so behind us and always a strong bond. In difficult moments, in moments when there is adversity around Manchester United the fans are still with us and we are with the fans. We are fighting together.
“Definitely tomorrow, after the passing away of Sir Bobby Charlton - their hero, their legend, a giant, I am sure that there will be even more [of a] very emotional evening tomorrow night.
“He is in front of Old Trafford with Denis Law and with George Best [in the United Trinity statue] and he is always with us. They are always a huge inspiration for us every day, and so in every game.”