Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton passed away on Saturday at the age of 86. 

Charlton was one of England’s greatest sporting and footballing icons. His biggest accolade was winning the iconic World Cup trophy with the Three Lions in 1966, and his stature on the international stage was enhanced by his 49 goals for England in 109 appearances.

The world football has lost a true great in Charlton, who’s emergence into the beautiful game was a part of the fabled Busby Babes at Manchester United. He was one of the 21 people who survived the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958 which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s team mates, in what was the most difficult period in the club’s history.

In 17 years at United, Charlton went on to play 758 matches, scoring 249 goals during that time. During this period he helped the Red Devils win the European Cup, three league titles and an FA Cup.

Following his retirement from football he served the club as a director for 39 years. He was etched into the very fabric of Manchester United and the club has lost one of it’s greatest heroes, a loss which will reverberate around the country.

Charlton was one of this country’s most talented footballers, whose abilities and greatness have stretched across multiple generation. His legacy will live on forever.

Betfred owner and Manchester United supporter Fred Done paid homage to Charlton.

He told Betfred: “I watched Bobby as a kid at United, I remember him coming into the first team with the Busby Babes. He escaped the terrible disaster at Munich and to me, he is one of the greatest players of all time.

“He was such a cultured player. He never caused a problem for anybody, he was one wonderful player.

“He won the World Cup with England, and there’s never going to be another Bobby Charlton again. He was a lovely man and a great player. He will be truly missed.”