'Giant of the game' Charlton dies aged 86

Bobby Charlton, an England World Cup winner and one of Manchester United's greatest players, died on Saturday at the age of 86.

Charlton was a key figure in England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, playing alongside his brother Jack, and making 758 appearances for United, scoring 249 goals.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning," a statement from his family read.

"He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him."

A statement from Manchester United described Charlton as "one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club".

Charlton spent 17 years at Old Trafford and, aged 20, was part of the "Busby Babes" team decimated by the 1958 Munich air crash in which 23 people died, including eight United players.

Along with his teammates George Best and Denis Law, he helped United become one of the most popular clubs in the world.

He scored twice for England in the World Cup semifinal win over Portugal in 1966 and was instrumental in the 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final where Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick.

Hurst, now the only surviving member of Alf Ramsey's World Cupwinning side, led the tributes to his former teammate.

"Very sad news today. One of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away," Hurst wrote on X.

"We will never forget him and nor will all of football. A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone."

Charlton helped United win the European Cup in 1968 and three English top-flight titles as well as the FA Cup.

"Today is not just a sad day for Manchester United and England, it's a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented," said former United and England midfielder David Beckham, who attended a Bobby Charlton Soccer School as a young boy and whose middle name is Robert.

"It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United," added Beckham. "I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world."

Regarded as possessing one of the hardest shots of his generation, Charlton earned 106 caps for England and scored 49 goals. After his retirement, he served as an ambassador for United and English soccer.

Charlton's appearances in the stands at Old Trafford had become less frequent after he was diagnosed with dementia in 2020.

"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game," United said.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville wrote on X: "The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United's greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Charlton as a legend.

"A huge loss for his family and for the Manchester United family and for English football, European football," he said. "We have the Premier League that we have because of these types of people."

On Saturday, Manchester United won 2-1 at Sheffield United, where Diogo Dalot's stunning winner was fittingly reminiscent of the long-range strikes Charlton was famed for.

The players wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence before the match. A book of condolence was opened on Sunday for fans at Old Trafford.

'Set the standard'

United manager Erik ten Hag paid tribute to Charlton, saying: "At Manchester United, you always have to win, but I think he set this standard as a Man United player."

The Football Association said a full tribute will be paid to Charlton at Wembley Stadium when England plays Malta on Nov 17.

"The world of football will unite in its sadness at losing an undisputed legend," England manager Gareth Southgate said.

REUTERS