Manchester United Pay Tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton was a national icon and key member of Matt Busby's Manchester United side that won the 1966 World Cup tournament, becoming a key contributor and scoring 249 goals during a 17-year playing career with them.

Funeral cortege for Sir Bobby Charlton began at Old Trafford, where his funeral statue stands alongside Denis Law and George Best in the United Trinity monument, before passing through streets lined by thousands of fans to reach Manchester Cathedral.

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Manchester United

Manchester United held a service of remembrance for Sir Bobby Charlton before their home match against Copenhagen, with hundreds of fans gathering in Cathedral Yard before his cortege made its way through Old Trafford stadium and placed wreaths at his seat in the directors' box before concluding with a piper playing lament "There's Only One Bobby Charlton."

Surviving the 1958 Munich air disaster, he went on to earn 106 caps for England and score 49 goals - his powerful shooting helped guide Leicester City FC to three league titles and a European Cup victory in 1968.

Former players, managers and coaches from the world of football attended a service held at Manchester Cathedral. Unfortunately the Glazer family, notoriously unpopular owners of Manchester United did not attend to avoid becoming a distraction while current manager Erik ten Hag was unavailable due to an appointment he had made in Holland - all current players wore black armbands as they stood together in solidarity during this moving service.

England

Football's elite were among the 1,000 guests at Manchester Cathedral for Sir Bobby Charlton's funeral service on March 3. But this event was more one of celebration and memory.

At this fitting service, former United chief executive David Gill and chairman of the Manchester United Foundation Paul Dickinson gave moving eulogies. Abide With Me was performed before the FA Cup final as was Jerusalem by tenor Russell Watson for added operatic flair.

Gareth Southgate and Aleksander Ceferin attended, as did current and former England players including Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw; as well as current England boss Gareth Southgate. It reflected Charlton's national significance - who scored two goals against West Germany at 1966 World Cup final and survived Munich air disaster that claimed 8 of Busby Babes 8 years prior; one of football's great attacking midfielders who was revered beyond his playing days; however.

Munich Air Disaster

Following two unsuccessful take-off attempts, the Airspeed Ambassador careered off of its snow-covered runway and crashed through a fence before smashing into a house before exploding in flames - killing 23 of 44 passengers including eight of Charlton's Busby Babes.

Charlton was deeply moved by Munich, even as one of football's premier stars, yet always tried to remain objective about it. He wanted United's modern superstars to understand its significance and be sure they remembered about its legacy.

Sir Bobby has left an indelible mark on club and country football, and will be sorely missed. Today is an occasion to put aside differences as football fans unite together in mourning those lost so tragically; for those grieving the loss of loved ones this must be one of the hardest days ever.

Manchester Cathedral

Football fans flocked to Old Trafford as Sir Bobby Charlton passed in a cortege on its way to Manchester Cathedral for a memorial service following his passing last month at age 86.

At the ceremony, former United boss Alex Ferguson and England manager Gareth Southgate were among the guests. Additionally, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs from England's team were present as guests of honour; it started off with a choir singing Abide With Me as part of its opening act.

William Balderston gave the eulogies on Charlton's behalf and spoke of how creative and incredible storyteller he was, weaving "jelly and custard" tales for his younger relatives. Julia spoke at his funeral about his determination and steadfastness while former United chief executive David Gill hailed him as an icon and legend: someone who always looked after his family while at the same time loving football with humility.