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| ‘You can’t ban emotions’: Manchester United prepare for poignant match |
It's often said that professional footballers must set aside their emotions, but Erik ten Hag knows it won't be possible this time. Manchester United is a club in mourning, and as they prepare to play their first game at Old Trafford since the passing of the beloved Sir Bobby Charlton, emotions will run high.
Copenhagen is the visiting team on Tuesday night for a crucial Champions League tie, but in the build-up, United's thoughts are likely to be elsewhere. The moment of reflection was already palpable as the club held a minute's silence before Ten Hag's press conference at Carrington on Monday. Imagine the depth of contemplation when 73,000 fans bow their heads at kick-off after a special pre-match tribute. The power of stillness, the solemnity of the moment - it's a time for everyone to pay their respects. United is opening the turnstiles from 6 pm, encouraging supporters to arrive early and join in the tribute.
Sir Bobby Charlton is synonymous with Manchester United, the embodiment of the club itself. It's not just how many times he wore the red shirt over his 17 years from 1956 or what he won; it's how he conducted himself on and off the pitch, extending into his role as a director later in life.
Charlton's legacy looms large over Old Trafford - from the Holy Trinity statue on the forecourt to the South Stand bearing his name, and most importantly, in the hearts of the fans. While saying that United must somehow "Do it for Bobby" might sound trite, Erik ten Hag acknowledged the significance, eloquently adding to the chorus of tributes.
"Bobby was a legend, a giant, not only for Manchester United but for world football," Ten Hag said. "His legacy, the high standards he set, are what we have to live by every day. First and foremost, our thoughts are with his family, his wife, his children, his grandchildren. But also with what he meant for Manchester United."
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of harnessing emotional energy, saying, "We are professionals, and our job is to focus on winning, but you can't ban emotions. You need to use them in the right way." He nodded at Diogo Dalot, the full-back beside him, whose 77th-minute goal in Saturday's league game at Sheffield United had paid homage to Bobby Charlton.
"Diogo did a great job on Saturday when he scored a goal in memory of Bobby Charlton," Ten Hag said. "I saw a goal from him... I think it was at Wembley from a distance, like Diogo did. So use that in the right way."
The spotlight then turned to Dalot, whose goal was not just his fourth since joining United in 2018 but also the most significant. "It's a great privilege when you combine Sir Bobby's goals with one of your own. It's an honor to hear that," he said. "I was fortunate enough to get to know him since I arrived at the club. He was always there for us after the games, whether we won or lost. He was always ready to offer words of appreciation, and sometimes he'd even suggest we play a little better. That represents the standard of this club. For someone like me who looks up to good examples, he was one of them, and he will influence my career forever."
For Manchester United, the challenge is to get back in contention in the Champions League Group A after losses to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. The league win at Sheffield United and the late victory against Brentford before the international break provide a glimmer of hope.
Ten Hag faces several selection dilemmas, including whether to recall the fit-again Sergio Reguilón at left-back. Raphaël Varane, a late substitute in Sheffield, could start in central defense. In midfield, with Casemiro suspended, the manager must decide between Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, or even Cristian Eriksen. Alejandro Garnacho is making a strong case for a start out wide.
Rasmus Højlund, United's £72 million summer signing from Atalanta, has added motivation as he faces the club where he began his professional career. His journey started on October 25, 2020, when the 17-year-old made his debut for Copenhagen as a stoppage-time substitute against Aarhus. He scored five goals for them, all in the Europa Conference League. United sold him to Sturm Graz in January 2022 for €1.8 million, a move Copenhagen now considers a bargain.
"It's a special game for Rasmus," Ten Hag noted. "He grew up at this club, and you know he will be highly motivated. That's important not just for me and the team but especially for him to channel that motivation in the right direction and find the right balance."
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