Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is not attending Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral. Here’s why.
Charlton, who made 758 appearances for United, scoring 249 goals and winning three league titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup, died last month after an accidental fall at the nursing home where he was receiving dementia care. He was 86.
On Monday, thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Manchester to honour one of English football's greatest players as his funeral procession takes place.
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The funeral cortège is expected to arrive at Old Trafford at about 13:30 and pass in front of the stadium to allow fans to say goodbye before the funeral service begins at Manchester Cathedral.
Up to 1,000 guests are scheduled to attend the service, including the Charlton family, the football icon’s friends as well as leading figures from across the sporting world.
As per the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst, the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs are among those attending Charlton’s funeral.
Moreover, of United’s current crop of players Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all expected to be present. Of course, most of United’s squad is absent due to international duty.
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Luckhurst added that the club’s controversial owners, the Glazer family, will not be present as they do not want to be a distraction from the service.
Moreover, United boss Ten Hag will not attend the funeral. The Dutchman has reportedly “sent his regrets due to an unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in the Netherlands”.
In the wake of Charlton’s death, however, Ten Hag cited the United icon as an inspiration for his players, who claimed a 2-1 win away to Sheffield United.
"Sir Bobby was a legend, a giant, not only for Manchester United but for football," Ten Hag said.
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"The legacy that he left for standards, high standards, we have to live it every day. Of course first of all our thoughts are with his family, his wife, children and grandchildren.
"But it's also what he meant for Manchester United, his importance for Manchester United. The standards he set, we have to live it and in the last couple of days they were emphasised.
"We are professionals and it is our job, but you can't ban emotions. You use emotions in the right way."
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football