Erik Ten Hag Encourages Man United To Control Their Emotions Following Bobby Charlton’s Death

Erik ten Hag has instructed his Manchester United players to control their emotions mourning the passing of club legend Bobby Charlton when they take on Copenhagen on Tuesday night in a crucial Champions League match.

World Cup winner Charlton passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday, and Ten Hag presided over a moment of quiet at the team’s Carrington training facility before the start of a press conference on Monday.

Diogo Dalot’s late win gave Sheffield United a 2-1 victory on Saturday, and Ten Hag credited Charlton as an inspiration for his team. However, Tuesday’s game will mark United’s first at home since Charlton passed away, providing an opportunity to pay respects both on and off the field.

“Sir Bobby was a legend, a giant, not only for Manchester United but for football,” Ten Hag said.

“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 by, and in the last couple of days, they were emphasized. We are professionals and it is our job but you can’t ban emotions. You use emotions in the right way.”

After losing to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray to start their Group A campaign, United is unquestionably in need of a victory. This is the first time they have started a European campaign with back-to-back losses.

Ten Hag declared, “We must triumph in each game. “If you look at the group, you have to win even if you lose the first two games.”

The Portugal international said he felt honored to hear that some of Charlton’s goals have been compared to Dalot’s stunning shot at Bramall Lane.

Dalot remarked, “I was fortunate to get to know him ever since I arrived at the club.

“He was always there after the game, whether we won or lost. He was always willing to offer you a word of encouragement or occasionally to suggest that we play a little bit better.

He embodied the values we sought for this club and the standards that this club should uphold.

Although they ground out the victory, United were again far from their best in Saturday’s win over the Blades, with social media full of grumbling from fans amid a pedestrian start to the campaign.

But Ten Hag said he continues to feel the firm backing of the supporters inside Old Trafford and expects a special atmosphere on Tuesday night.

“It’s always special every night at Old Trafford, the fans are always so behind us,” the Dutchman said.

“I remember the last game, the home game against Brentford, even though the game was not going in our direction they stayed behind us in difficult moments and moments of adversity around Manchester United the fans are still with us and we are with the fans, we are fighting together.

“Tomorrow after the passing away of Sir Bobby Charlton, their hero, their legend, their giant, I’m sure there will be an even more emotional evening tomorrow.”

The game also promises to be a special occasion for United striker Rasmus Hojlund, the 20-year-old summer signing who came through the ranks at home-town club Copenhagen, where his younger brothers Emil and Oscar still play.

“You know it’s a special game for him,” Ten Hag said of a player who has scored three in two Champions League appearances for United so far.

“He grew up at the club and you know he will be highly motivated. It’s for me, for the team but especially of course for him to use that in the right direction, the right balance.”