Manchester United And England Legend Sir Bobby Charlton Dies Aged 86

Manchester United and England hero Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86. His family said he "passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning".

Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86.

His family said in a statement that he "passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning".

Charlton was one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the British game.

He spent 17 seasons as a United player, scoring 249 goals in 758 matches between 1956 and 1973.

At international level, he scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for England.

Charlton won the World Cup with England in 1966 and was awarded the Ballon d'Or later that year.

After ending his playing career, Charlton went into management and had spells in charge of Preston North End and Wigan Athletic.

He later returned to United in 1984 when he joined the club's board of directors.

Reacting to news of Charlton's death, United issued a club statement on Saturday afternoon.

Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, 1937-2023.

Words will never be enough.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 21, 2023

It read: "Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.

"Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.

"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.

"A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals, and won the 1966 World Cup.

"Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.

"The club's heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."

Sir Bobby Charlton, pictured playing for England in 1966, has died at the age of 86 :: IMAGO/Sven Simon