Manchester United v Copenhagen: Champions League – live

Tributes have been laid by fans of other clubs. Bitter rivals Liverpool may be, but Sir Bobby unquestionably had their support’s respect …

… not least because he did this in front of them back in 1969.

Andy Burnham, the major of Greater Manchester and supporter of Everton, has laid a wreath for Sir Bobby by the United Trinity statue. It’s been a difficult day for Burnham, who gave an emotional interview to Sky Sports News about the United legend, as well as the passing of the Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.

Sir Bobby Charlton: 1937 – 2023. Forever loved. The first thing fans see as Old Trafford sweeps into view this evening. Looking on, the United Trinity of Charlton, George Best and Denis Law in bronze; another statue stares back, Sir Matt Busby keeping an avuncular eye on his beloved players, just as he did throughout the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s.

Bobby Charlton, Manchester United, the European Cup. All the stories, the legends, the triumphs and the tragedies are intertwined, so it’s fitting that the first match at Old Trafford after the great man’s passing is in the competition that he won for the club at Wembley in 1968, that defined him, that meant the most to him of all. The club opened the gates at 6pm this evening so supporters could arrive early and pay their respects. It’s going to be an emotional evening.

There’s a football match to be played as well. Erik ten Hag’s side are in a spot of bother in Group A, having lost their opening two fixtures at Bayern Munich and at home against Galatasaray. Another slip tonight would seriously jeopardise their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. United desperately need the three points on offer; they’d also like to do it for Sir Bobby. Kick off is at 8pm BST.