Manchester United led English football’s tribute to Queen Elizabeth II ahead of a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, while Roma boss Jose Mourinho was in mourning after the monarch’s death on Thursday.
Players from United, West Ham and Arsenal – Europe’s Premier League teams in the second and third tier tournaments – all wore black robes on the first day after the Queen died at the age of 96.
There was a gloomy atmosphere at Old Trafford and London Stadium, with both United and West Ham observing a minute’s silence before kick-off.
West Ham fans sing ‘God save the queen’ during their 3-1 win against Romanian side FCSB in the Europa Conference League.
The death of the country’s longest-reigning monarch was announced when Arsenal had already started at FC Zürich, so the Gunners had a minute before the start of the second half of their 2–1 Europa League victory. Kept silent.
Former United, Chelsea and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho paid tribute to the Queen after Roma’s 2-1 Europa League loss to Bulgarian side Ludogorets.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been in England for many years, my family is there,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italy.
“I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t appreciate this great lady, I’m sorry.”
United players folded arms during an impeccable minute’s silence in Manchester, while Sociedad did the same on the other side of the centre-circle.
Several United fans were seen crying in the stands, while Sociedad fans put up their blue and white scarves in tribute during the minute’s silence.
There was no music before the match and digital advertising billboards were turned off, while flags at Old Trafford were at half-mast as a sign of the club’s “extreme respect” for the Queen.
“Manchester United share the grief of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen,” a club statement said.
“The club recognizes his immense contribution to public life, including sport here in the United Kingdom, in the Commonwealth and around the world.”
‘Really sad’
UEFA President Alexander Ceferin said: “UEFA and European football are truly saddened by the passing of one of the world’s most respected figures, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our condolences go out to his family and the President of the English Football Association, Prince William, as well as the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.”
After the start of the game, general chants were heard in support of the Glazer family against United and the club’s owners, but the atmosphere was more subdued than usual.
Eric ten Haag described Brazil forward Antony as United’s “missing link” after the Brazilian forward scored on his debut against Arsenal on Sunday after a £82m move from Ajax.
But the 22-year-old apparently struggled to make any impact during the combined performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo was only making his second United debut this season, while Brazil midfielder Casemiro was given his first start since arriving from Real Madrid.
Neither player could give the spark to United, who saw Ronaldo’s 35th minute header correctly disallowed for offside.
Sociedad secured their victory in the 59th minute when United defender Lisandro Martínez was controversially penalized for a handball.
The ball only hit Martinez after it bounced off his knee, but the decision was confirmed after a VAR check and Bryce Mendez hit David de Gea with a spot-kick.
United were beaten for the third time under boss Ten Haag’s reign, after winning four consecutive Premier League games.
Brazilian teen Marquinhos made his Arsenal debut as Premier League leaders recovered from their first defeat of the season at United last weekend.
Marquinhos, signed from So Paulo in June, finished first with a low Eddie Neketia cross in the 16th minute to advance Arsenal.
Zurich equalized just before half-time when Mirlind Krieziu converted a penalty after a foul in the box by Neketia.
Neketia improved by scoring the winning goal just after the hour from Marquinhos’ cross.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, PSV Eindhoven and Bodo/Glimt drew 1–1, with Kodi Gakpo after Albert Grönbeck gave the lead to the Norwegian champions.
Matias Vesino’s double helped Lazio beat Feyenoord 4-2.
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