Manchester United led English football’s tributes to Queen Elizabeth II ahead of their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in the Europa League, while Roma manager José Mourinho mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II. monarch on Thursday.
Players from United, West Ham and Arsenal – the Premier League teams in action at Europe’s second- and third-tier tournaments – all wore black armbands after the Queen died aged 96 earlier that day.
There were somber atmospheres at Old Trafford and the London Stadium, with United and West Ham holding a minute’s silence before kick-off.
West Ham fans sang ‘God save the Queen’ during their 3-1 win against Romanian side FCSB in the Europa Conference League.
The death of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch was announced after Arsenal had already kicked off at FC Zurich, so the Gunners held a minute’s silence before the start of the second half of their 2-1 victory in the Europa League.
Former United, Chelsea and Tottenham manager José Mourinho paid a somber tribute to the Queen after Roma’s 2-1 Europa League defeat by Bulgarian side Ludogorets.
“I am very sorry. I have lived in England for many years, my family is there,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.
“I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t appreciate this great woman, I’m sorry.”
During an impeccably observed minute of silence in Manchester, United players linked arms while Sociedad did the same on the other side of the center circle.
Several United fans were seen crying in the stands, while Sociedad fans held up their blue and white scarves in tribute during the minute’s silence.
There was no pre-match music and digital billboards were switched off, while flags at Old Trafford were lowered to half-staff as a show of the club’s “ultimate respect” for the Queen.
“Manchester United shares the sorrow of the entire nation following Buckingham Palace’s announcement of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen,” a statement from the club said.
“The club recognizes his immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world.”
‘Truly saddened’
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin added: “UEFA and European football are truly saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the world’s most respected figures.
“Our thoughts are with his family and the president of the English Football Association, Prince William, as well as the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms.”
The usual chants in support of United and against the club’s owners, the Glazer family, were heard once the game started, but the atmosphere felt more subdued than usual.
Erik Ten Hag described Brazilian striker Antony as United’s “missing link” after the Brazilian striker scored on his debut against Arsenal on Sunday following his £82m move from Ajax.
But the 22-year-old struggled to make any impact during a disjointed United performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo was making only his second start for United this season, while Brazilian midfielder Casemiro started for the first time since joining from Real Madrid.
Neither player was able to rouse United, who saw a Ronaldo header in the 35th minute correctly disallowed for offside.
Sociedad secured their victory in the 59th minute when United defender Lisandro Martínez was controversially penalized for handballing.
The ball only hit Martinez’s arm after bouncing off his knee, but after a VAR check the decision was upheld and Brais Mendez hit the penalty kick past David De Gea.
After winning four successive Premier League games, United were beaten for the third time in boss ten Hag’s reign.
Brazilian teenager Marquinhos scored on his Arsenal debut as the Premier League leaders bounced back from their first loss of the season to United last weekend.
Marquinhos, signed from Sao Paulo in June, struck in the first half from Eddie Nketiah’s low cross in the 16th minute to put Arsenal ahead.
Zürich equalized just before half-time when Mirlind Kryeziu converted a penalty after a foul in the box by Nketiah.
Nketiah made amends by scoring the winning goal shortly after the hour mark, heading in a Marquinhos cross.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, PSV Eindhoven and Bodo/Glimt drew 1-1, with Cody Gakpo after Albert Gronbaek gave the Norwegian champions the lead.
Lazio beat Feyenoord 4-2 thanks to Matias Vecino’s brace.
