Manchester United players send tributes to the Queen after her death

A number of Manchester United players posted tributes on social media following the news that Queen Elizabeth II had died on Thursday.

The Queen died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle, a Buckingham Palace statement confirmed, with Prince Charles immediately becoming King.

Announcing her death, 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."

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The announcement of her death came less than two hours before United were set to begin their Europa League campaign against Spanish side Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday night. A decision was made, by Uefa, that the game would go ahead as it was too late to cancel the fixture.

Erik ten Hag's side lost the match 1-0, but the game and result was overshadowed by the sad death of the Queen.

After the game, several United players took to social media to pay tribute to Her Majesty, with club captain Harry Maguire writing on Twitter: "Rest in peace, Her Majesty The Queen. Thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time."

Jadon Sancho also posted a tribute, saying: "Her Majesty The Queen. Thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time. Rest In Peace."

United forward and England international Marcus Rashford added: "Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II".

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton wrote: "Rest In Peace Her Majesty the Queen".

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