Manchester United hold minute's silence in remembrance of the Queen

Old Trafford fell silent ahead of kick-off between Manchester United and Real Sociedad this evening in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96 earlier today.

It was announced by Buckingham Palace at 6:30pm this evening that The Queen had died at Balmoral in Scotland. She passed away peacefully this afternoon.

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

READ MORE: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad

Members of the Royal Family travelled north to Scotland earlier today after it was confirmed by Buckingham Palace that her health had become a concern to her doctors.

Ahead of kick-off at Old Trafford this evening, United issued a statement, confirming that a minute's silence would be held ahead of kick-off and that all the players would wear black armbands.

The statement said : "Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad will take place as planned at Old Trafford.

"A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off which will allow the teams, match officials and everyone in attendance to pay their respects to Her Majesty, The Queen. Both teams will wear black armbands and the flags at Old Trafford will fly at half-mast as a sign of our utmost respect."

The UEFA anthem was not played ahead of kick-off, with the mood proving incredibly sombre, both in the stands and on the pitch.

It remains to be seen what will happen in relation to sporting events that are scheduled to take place in the UK over the next few days. United are scheduled to travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal