Fans inside Old Trafford pay tribute to The Queen following her death

Manchester United players and fans paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II ahead of their Europa League clash with Real Sociedad this evening with a minute's silence.

It was announced on Thursday that The Queen had died at her royal residence in Balmoral, aged 96.

United confirmed prior to kick-off that their Group E clash would be going ahead, but both sets of players would be wearing black armbands.

Flags inside the ground were also flown at half-mast.

Manchester United and Real Sociedad hold a minute silence to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen, who passed away today aged 96.pic.twitter.com/5aIX7nqzBF

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) September 8, 2022

Stadium announcer Alan Keegan said: "Manchester United shares the sorrow of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

"The club recognises her immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.

"Everyone connected with Manchester United joins the wider football family in sending our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to The Royal Family."

Everyone inside the stadium rose to their feet to impeccably hold a minute's silence, with television cameras capturing the crowd.

Sociedad fans held their scarves high in the air in a symbol of unity.

Queen Elizabeth II was the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee following her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952.

Following her death, the throne was passed to her son, Charles.

He will be known as King Charles III.

United have started with a much-changed team from Sunday's 3-1 victory over Arsenal, with summer arrival Casemiro given his first start since arriving from Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the starting line-up and thought he'd scored the opening goal midway through the first half.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner fired a header home, but was correctly ruled offside.

The game is currently 0-0 at halftime.