Queen Elizabeth II: Man Utd & Real Sociedad hold minute's silence before match

Manchester United and Real Sociedad held a minute’s silence in honour of Queen Elizabeth II before their Europa League clash on Thursday evening.

Queen Elizabeth II [1926-1992] passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96.

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “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.”

The news was announced an hour-and-a-half before United’s match against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.

The game went ahead following direction from the FA and UEFA.

Both sets of players wore black armbands in Queen Elizabeth’s memory and a minute’s silence was observed as those inside Old Trafford paid tribute to her.

Manchester United and Real Sociedad pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen, who passed away today aged 96. pic.twitter.com/ALUcciB6hp

The minute’s silence was beautifully observed as everyone inside Old Trafford paid their respects.

Real Sociedad fans held up their scarves throughout the minute’s silence.

When the minute’s silence came to an end, a round of applause broke out and moments later the match kicked off.

United released a statement prior to kick-off paying tribute to Her Majesty, The Queen.

“Manchester United shares the sorrow of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace on the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen,” a statement on their website read.

“The club recognises her immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.

“Everyone connected with Manchester United joins the wider football family in sending our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to The