Manchester United have confirmed how they plan to honour the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton, who sadly passed away on Saturday, 21 October, revealing multiple tributes this week.
Tributes have been pouring in for the club and England legend following his death over the weekend, as players past and presents, staff and fans already having been welcomed to the home ground to lay flowers and scarves outside the Trinity Statue, as well as sign the book of condolences, with thousands more doing the same online in a digital dedication.
However, since the news of Charlton’s passing was learned not long before Man United’s away win against Sheffield United — with Harry Maguire dedicating the victory to the iconic World Cup winner — the club is yet to give Sir Bobby the proper send-off he deserves from the Old Trafford faithful.
That being said, the club have now officially revealed how they will pay their respects to the special footballer, starting several tributes at tonight’s Champions League match against FC Copenhagen.
Ready to honour Sir Bobby at his spiritual home ❤️
A full list of plans detailing numerous Sir Bobby Charlton tributes.
As detailed in a club statement, United “will honour and remember Sir Bobby at our men’s first-team game against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday through a special pre-match tribute, which will conclude with a minute’s silence before kick-off.
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Opening turnstiles will be open from 6pm, two hours before they are due to play, they are asking fans to arrive early and take their seats so as to give them plenty of time to prepare for the ceremony and pay their respects.
As the pre-match update goes on to explain, “a wreath will be in place on Sir Bobby’s seat within the Director’s Box, players and staff will wear black armbands and Sir Bobby will be remembered on the cover of the matchday programme.”
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There will also be further tributes to the 1968 European Cup, FA Cup and the three-time division one title-winner in the matchday programme for the Manchester derby this weekend, with Manchester City having already offered their condolences and apologised for the behaviour of some of their fans.
After a minute’s silence was observed and black armbands were worn by the United Women’s team during their WSL game against Everton at Leigh Sports Village on Monday, Sir Bobby will be similarly commemorated at their UEFA Youth League game on Tuesday as well, with club labelling it “a fitting tribute given his long association with our Academy”.
The book of condolence will also once against be available for fans to leave messages and memories in the International Suite from 10am-4pm right up until this Friday.
And lastly, ahead of their home fixtures against Man City in the Premier League this weekend, the club has said they will “celebrate the life of Sir Bobby with a minute’s applause and expressions of fan remembrance with flags and surfer banners” which will be passed around the stadium. It will be an emotional moment inside Old Trafford, for sure.
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They have assured that further information surrounding Sunday’s match and Charlton’s tributes will be communicated later this week and signed off by thanking the fan base for their “support over recent days and for ensuring we can remember Sir Bobby in such a dignified and respectful manner.”
Featured Image — Manchester United (via Instagram)
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
24th October 2023 
