Erik ten Hag wants Man United to channel emotions after Bobby Charlton death

Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players they must channel their emotions following the death of club great Bobby Charlton when they face Copenhagen in a must-win Champions League game on Tuesday night.

United are in mourning after World Cup winner Charlton died at the age of 86 on Saturday, and Ten Hag began a press conference on Monday by leading a minute’s silence at the club’s Carrington training ground.

Ten Hag cited Charlton as an inspiration for his players in Saturday’s 2-1 win away to Sheffield United, secured by Diogo Dalot’s late winner, but Tuesday’s match will be United’s first home game since Charlton’s death, an opportunity to pay tribute on and off the pitch.

“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 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.”

United certainly need a win after starting their Group A campaign with defeats to both Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, the first time they have begun a European campaign with back-to-back losses.

“We have to win every game,” Ten Hag said. “If you see the group, if you lose the first two games you definitely have to win.”

Dalot’s powerful strike at Bramall Lane drew comparisons with some of Charlton’s goals, something the Portugal international said he had been honoured to be told.

“I