Man United star Harry Maguire reveals the news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing ‘hit us hard’ ahead of 2-1 win over Sheffield United and praises the club legend’s ‘aura’ at Old Trafford

• The England international said: ‘He’s a legend of this club and legend of football’
• The World Cup winner died peacefully in the early hours of yesterday morning
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

Harry Maguire paid an emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton following his passing, hailing him as ‘an absolute legend’ of Manchester United and English football.

Charlton died peacefully in the early hours of yesterday morning at the age of 86, leaving United and the wider football community in mourning.

The much-loved former United star, one of the greatest players of all time, had been diagnosed with dementia three years ago.

Maguire, who helped his team to last night’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United, said: ‘First and foremost, it’s a really sad day.

‘We obviously found out this afternoon and, preparing for the game, it hit us hard.

Man United defender Harry Maguire has paid an emotional tribute to the late Bobby Charlton

The World Cup winner died peacefully in the early hours of yesterday morning at the age of 86

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‘Sir Bobby came to the changing room a lot after games and he lit the place up.

‘Everyone could see the aura he brought to the dressing room and the amount of the respect that the lads, the staff and the club had for him.

‘He’s an absolute legend of this club and legend of football.

‘We’re obviously delighted to win the game tonight but it’s more than football. My thoughts go to Bobby and his family.’

After goals from Scott Tominay and Diogo Dalot secured back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season, Maguire revealed Charlton’s impact at Old Trafford.

The England centre-half added: ‘Sir Bobby always came in if we won or lost and his presence was really felt within the dressing room.

‘You would always see him around the club and he was a great ambassador for the club after he’d retired from football.

‘We’ll miss him, of course, and the world will miss him. 

Bruno Fernandes lays a floral wreath for legendary United midfielder Sir Bobby Charlton

Charlton presents Wayne Rooney with a golden boot to mark his 250th Man United goal

‘He was a great person and an amazing footballer, but more importantly an amazing person.’

Dalot scored a goal that Charlton would have been proud, firing into the top corner from 25 yards on a hugely emotional night.

The Portuguese defender said: ‘We know that it’s not easy to contribute to the family of Sir Bobby Charlton.

‘But I think with the win that we gave a little bit of joy on a sad day.

‘We’re just happy with the win and I think we deserved it in the end.’

On his stunning strike, Dalot added: ‘It was a good goal and this is the contribution that we could have today and give to the family.

‘We are one family at United and we are all united on a day like this.

‘We suffer together and when we win celebrate together. Now we can celebrate this win.’

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