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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Matt Bryan

Marius Zaliukas honoured at Old Trafford before former club Leeds' Premier League opener with Man U

Former Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas was honoured at Old Trafford on Saturday ahead of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Leeds United.

The Lithuanian, who tragically passed away in October last year, went on to play for Leeds after his time at Tynecastle.

Former players and coaches who are no longer with us were given a special mention prior to today's kick-off in a touching tribute.

Their names were displayed on the advertising boards around the stadium during a minute's silence which was observed before the match started at 12.30pm.

Zaliukas spent a year in Leeds during the 2013/14 season where he made 15 appearances, before returning to Scotland for a short stint at Rangers.

Sadly, he lost his battle with Motor Nuerone Disease at the young age of just 36 last year.

Zaliukas made a 214 appearances for Hearts after arriving from his homeland in 2006.

He was adored by teammates and fans alike during his seven years at the club who paid tribute to their former captain at the time of his death.

After a tough start at Tynecastle, the centre back’s dominant displays in the heart of defence won fans round, and he ended up establishing a fine partnership with Andy Webster after being appointed club captain.

The highlight of his spell in maroon was undoubtedly lifting the Scottish Cup in 2012, leading his team to a 5-1 hammering of city rivals Hibs at Hampden.

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