Man Utd Women dedicate Everton win to Sir Bobby Charlton after touching tribute
Manchester United midfielder Katie Zelem dedicated her side’s 5-0 win over Everton on Sunday to the former striker and club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who died aged 86 on Saturday.
On a weekend in which both club’s senior sides came away victorious, the atmosphere was sombre and reflective following the loss of one of the most influential players in the club’s history.
News of Charlton's passing prompted tributes to pour from all corners of the football world. Ahead of kick-off at Walton Hall Park, United Women paid tribute to the late striker by laying a wreath in memory of Charlton in the centre circle of the pitch.
And skipper Zelem, 27, said the Red Devils’ comprehensive performance against the Toffees was an effort to further commemorate the life of Charlton.
“Such sad news,” she told MUTV after the match. “I think you can see from everyone’s posts, what they’ve said. He touched so many people’s hearts and he’s a real club legend. For us, we had that in our minds going into the game and that performance was for him.”
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United boss Skinner added: "That win was dedicated to Sir Bobby Charlton, Lady Norma and all the family members. He changed football in my opinion, especially at my club, so that was for him and for his family."
Katie Zelem of Manchester United holds a wreath in memory of the late Sir Bobby Charlton next to goalkeeper Mary Earps (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)Manchester United's men's side found similar inspiration as Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot helped Erik ten Hag’s side to three points just hours after Charlton’s death was confirmed by his family.
"We have to pay our big goodbye and remembering Bobby Charlton, “ the Dutchman said. “What he did was magnificent. We said before the game about how he was not only outstanding on the pitch but also off the pitch.”
“So we wanted to credit it and reward his big personality. I heard that some players, they got inspiration from it. They wanted to win to mark it. It was an extra motivation, absolutely."
Sir Bobby Charlton passed away on Saturday (Manchester United via Getty Images)United Women’s vicory arrived off the back of a disappointing Champions League qualification campaign in which their maiden European adventure was cut short after falling to a 4-2 aggregate loss to French powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain.
Skinner vowed to return his side to the showpiece event next season and kept to his pledge as United comfortably dispatched Brian Sorensen’s Everton with Melvine Malard, Nikita Parris and Rachel Williams all on the scoresheet.
The victory was made all the more impressive considering the absentees from Skinner’s squad due to an alleged stomach bug, including Brazilian striker Geyse, forward Leah Galton and midfielder Hayley Ladd.
On the win, Skinner said: "We've had a tough week going out of Europe, we only had a day to prepare for this game and we have had some sickness in the camp with several players missing out.
"I couldn't give them more credit. Their resilience and togetherness was excellent, particularly when Everton got through us. We had to think quickly and communicate with each other and there are a few different languages in our team."
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