Manager Glenn Roeder revealed after the game that the Nigerian defender's 26-year-old brother had been suffering from tuberculosis and died in London on Friday night.

But Babayaro decided to play after talking to his other brother. "They told him that he would have wanted him to play, so he came out and played," said Roeder.

"I know how he felt because I did exactly the same the day that my father died. That's why I went for him as he came off the pitch at the end.

"It is important for people to know this because it took courage. It puts things in perspective.

"Football is the most important thing in your life except for your family. Without your family there is no football.

"We have won and got three points, so Celestine feels very happy and very sad at the same time."

Babayaro travelled to London after the match to be with his family, but will link up with United for Thursday's UEFA Cup tie against Zulte in Belgium.