Erik ten Hag says his Manchester United players will aim to live up to the standards that Sir Bobby Charlton set at Old Trafford as the club prepare to pay tribute to their hero ahead of tomorrow's UEFA Champions League home match against Copenhagen.
Charlton, who passed away on Saturday morning aged 86, made 758 appearances over 17 years for Man Utd, winning the old First Division on three occasions, the FA Cup twice and the European Cup in 1967/68, in addition to lifting the FIFA World Cup with England in 1966.
"Of course [we are concentrated on the game]. We are professionals, it is our job. But you can't ban emotions, but use the emotions in the right way," Erik ten Hag told the club's official website.
“As you say, Bobby was a legend, a giant, not only for Manchester United but for football. What he left were the standards, the high standards we have to live every day.
"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."
Ten Hag is anticipating a strong sense of togetherness at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
“The fans are always so behind us and [there's] always a strong bond," he said. "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 Trinity Statue] and he is always with us. They are always a huge inspiration for us every day, and so in every game."
