Man Utd announce plans to honour Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby

Manchester United have announced how they plan to honour Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

It will be the third game in which the Red Devils have paid their respects to the legendary club figure, who passed away last week. Minor commemorations were hastily arranged before last week’s trip to Sheffield United, which kicked off just four hours after the news broke.

On Tuesday, Erik ten Hag, Alex Stepney and youth-team captain Daniel Gore, laid a wreath in the centre-circle before the match against Copenhagen at a sombre Old Trafford. They were preceded by a lone bagpipe player, while a wreath was also placed on Charlton’s empty seat in the directors’ box, and his picture adorned the front of the matchday programme, set against a black background.

But, given more freedom by the Premier League than Uefa granted on Tuesday, United will continue to honour the iconic player this weekend. The club have confirmed the centre circle will be covered with a commemorative banner ahead of the Manchester City game, with fans in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand also set to hold up a mosaic as the teams enter the pitch.

At the same time, a giant banner will be unfurled across the Stretford End, the latest commissioned by fan group Stretford End Flags. The banner will feature a picture of Charlton lifting the European Cup in 1968 and include the caption: “The finest English footballer the world has ever seen.”

Former United and City players will be present on the pitch for the pre-match minute’s applause, while both teams will wear black armbands to mark the occasion. Finally, the matchday programme will include a 28-page tribute to Charlton’s life, and the cover will depict a youthful version of the former midfielder, wearing a United kit.

Fans can still sign the book of condolence at Old Trafford this weekend, while an online version has been made available for supporters - and can be found here. Pep Guardiola signed the book of condolence earlier this week, as did ex-City player Mike Summerbee.

It comes a week after two City supporters were handed bans by the club for mocking Charlton’s death during the Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion. In City’s regular email to supporters attending a game, the club reminded fans that they will face punishments for any inappropriate chanting. “Please note, we condemn all inappropriate or abusive behaviour. Anyone found to be behaving in such a manner will be issued with a stadium ban, and GMP will be made aware,” the email read.