Manchester United great Sir Bobby Charlton dies aged 86

• England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has passed on at the age of 86
• Charlton played a total of 758 matches during his 17 years at Manchester United player, winning three league titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton is dead, the English Premier League club announced on Saturday. Charlton, who spent 17 years as a first-team player for United, passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning surrounded by his loved ones.

Sir Bobby Charlton is regarded as one of the greatest players in Manchester United’s history and the club has paid a fond tribute to their legend.

“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. ” Club statement read on Saturday.

Former Manchester United player Sir Bobby Charlton is dead. Photo/ Sky Sports.

Sir Bobby Charlton is a graduate of Manchester United academy having joined the club in 1953. He went through the Red Devils youth set-up and was a member of the famed academy under manager Sir Matt Busby. The players were affectionately known as the “Busby Babes” and won three successive FA Youth Cups from 1954 to 1956.

Charlton made his senior debut in in 1956 and won his first league title at the end of the 1956-57 season. The legendary striker scored 10 goals in 14 First Division appearances. He was one of the players who survived the Munich Air disaster that claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight United players. He was an integral part of the rebuilding process that followed the tragedy.

Charlton played a total of 758 matches during his 17 years at Manchester United, winning three league titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup. He then joined Preston North End and also had spells at Waterford, Newcastle KB United, Perth Azzurri and Blacktown City.

The legendary striker was also a key player for the England national team and was a member of the squad that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup. He won the Ballon d’Or award that year and is one of only four Englishmen to have claimed the prestigious award.

Manchester United announced the death of Sir Bobby Charlton on Saturday. Photo/ Manchester United.

Following his retirement, Sir Bobby Charlton went on to serve Manchester United as a director for 39 years. Charlton’s family are requesting for their privacy to be respected at this time as they mourn the legendary footballer.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. 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. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.” A statement from Sir Bobby Charlton’s family reads.