13 November 2023 , 18:37
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Sir Alex Ferguson led the tributes as the football world said farewell to Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
Thousands of fans gathered at Old Trafford and Manchester Cathedral to pay their final respects to World Cup winner Charlton, who died last month aged 86. Former United boss Ferguson said he owed his glittering managerial reign to Charlton, who stood by him throughout his time in charge - particularly when he was under pressure.
“He was a fantastic man,” said Ferguson after the service at the cathedral. “I was at United because of Bobby Charlton, no question about that. From the day I came, he supported me 100 percent, all the way.
“He was totally behind me in everything we tried to do in terms of youth and, as I said, I was there because of Bobby. It was very sombre [the service]. There was a wonderful tribute from his grandson. I thought it was fantastic. It's not easy to get up there and speak, and the speakers did a great job.”
United boss Erik ten Hag was the most high-profile absentee, the club saying he had an “unbreakable and longstanding personal commitment in the Netherlands” that meant he could not attend. Prince William, President of the Football Association, also attended the service, as did current and former United stars, including Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Bryan Robson.
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Robson paid tribute to Charlton and said: “It's a sad day for the family, for United, but also for football, because he was a fantastic player. But he wasn't just a great player, he was a great person. He had time for everyone and wanted to help everyone.”
Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill arrive for Sir Bobby Charlton's funeral (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Charlton's former United team-mate, Alex Stepney, called him a “great family man” and said the success he enjoyed “never went to his head”. “My memory was meeting him for the first time when I got signed,” said Stepney.
“I knew straight away what a great guy he was, a humble guy. It was all about playing for United. Even on international duty it was about winning and that was what Bobby was all about. A humble guy, a great family man. It never went to his head.”
Former United chief executive David Gill said: “The world football family has lost a legend of the game. The Manchester United family has lost a wonderful and much loved member - a very visible, important and giant presence for over 70 years.”