David Beckham and Wayne Rooney lead tributes to Liam Miller

David Beckham and Wayne Rooney have led the tributes to former Manchester United team-mate Liam Miller.

Both played with the 36-year-old during his loan spell at Old Trafford in the 2005/06 season and took to social media to share their grief after Miller died from cancer on Friday.

Beckham posted a message on his Instagram account saying: “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family .. Rest In Peace ?⚫️” while Wayne Rooney said on Twitter his thoughts were also with the Miller family.

Rio Ferdinand said the death of his former Old Trafford colleague was ‘tragic’ while current Manchester United captain Michael Carrick remembered Miller being at the club when he first joined in 2006.

Manchester United, who will wear black armbands when they play Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, tweeted their sadness at the news of Miller’s death.

Miller began his career at Celtic and before beating Partick 3-2 in the Scottish Cup, the Hoops wore black armbands prior to a minute’s silence which was impeccably observed.

Flags were flown at half mast while outside the ground, supporters placed shirts and scarves on rails to honour the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said Miller lived the Irish dream of playing for the Parkhead club.

Northern Irishman Rodgers said: “It was a real sad moment last night when we got the message through at the hotel.

“It is awful news. So young, 36 years of age. The dream of lots of Irish boys is to come across and play for Celtic and he did that and had a fantastic career.

“To lose your life that young and leave a young family behind is so sad.

“I thought the club paid a great tribute to him today and certainly he will always be in the memory of everyone here at Celtic.”

Across the city of Glasgow, Rangers posted their own message sharing their neighbours’ grief.

Leeds United players also wore black armbands for Miller who had a loan spell at Elland Road during the 2005/06 season.

Prior to Ireland’s Six Nations game with Italy at Croke Park, the IRFU sent their condolences to the Miller family, saying: “Waking up to the very sad news about Liam Miller. It reminds us that there are far more important things in life than sport. We extend our condolences to our friends in @FAIreland and to Liam’s family and friends. RIP.”

Miller came through the youth ranks at Parkhead and made his debut in 2000 and helped them win the Scottish Premier League title in 2004.

He then moved south to Manchester United on a free transfer, making 22 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson in two seasons – which included a spell on loan at Leeds.

Reports emerged in November that Miller had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was receiving treatment in the United States, where he played for Wilmington Hammerheads.