Man Utd legend barely recognisable from playing days at Bobby Charlton funeral
Manchester United icon Brian McClair was among those in attendance at Sir Bobby Charlton ’s funeral as thousands paid their respects on Monday.
The former forward was among a host of former and current Red Devils who featured on the guestlist for Monday afternoon’s touching ceremony, alongside his ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
McClair, now 59, was pictured sporting a considerable beard, as well as flowing, grey hair - looking considerably different to during his playing days at Old Trafford. He previously left fans astonished with his new look back in January after posing for a photo with a fan in a pub in Manchester.
He has since admitted that his beard and hair combination regularly leaves fans baffled. Speaking on his podcast, Life with Brian, he said: "It happens an awful lot more than I ever imagined it would, particularly the fact I’m covered in this lovely grey stuff that’s growing out of my face. It’s entertaining listening.
"Sometimes I’ve been in situations where my name has cropped up and they’ve no idea it’s me, which is pretty bizarre. What I tend to say now when they ask if I’m Brian McClair is 'I used to be', which is quite flummoxing for a lot of people. How can you used to be? Who are you now? What are you now?"
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McClair has also admitted that his fresh look has also led to a slight change to the famous ‘Choccy’ nickname that he became known by at Old Trafford. He claimed that he is now called 'Chocrates' because of the beard. "I'm a philosopher now,” McClair added.
Brian McClair celebrates winning the League Cup with Manchester United (Getty Images)
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The former striker enjoyed a hugely successful career with Manchester United during his playing career. After arriving from Scottish giants Celtic, he went on to make 471 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 127 goals.
In that time, he helped the side to win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups and much more. He was not the only former Red Devil to attend Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral as the club paid an emotional tribute to the ex-England star.
McClair’s ex-teammate Peter Schmeichel said: "It was very fitting, it was a beautiful service, his grandson stood up, spoke and fondly spoke about him as a family man. David Gill spoke about him as a Manchester United person.
"I think he was the most important person in Manchester United's history, what he created was incredible," Schmeichel added. "From surviving the disaster, losing eight of his team-mates and so many other people in that.
“Then, taking part in the rebuild of the football club and in no time they were on top of Europe and he played a very big part in that. He was a director for the club, his influence was incredible."
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