In solemn moments of quiet reflection, they pause outside the Theatre of Dreams to honour one of the greats of the game
21.10.2023 - 21:03
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United fans flocked to Old Trafford to pay their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton. The 86-year-old Reds and England icon died peacefully in the early hours of Saturday (October 21) with his family at his side.
Tributes have flooded in from across the footballing world and beyond for the midfielder who helped fire England to World Cup glory in 1966 and won the European Cup with United in 1968 - just a decade after the Munich Air Disaster, which he survived but in which many of his friends and teammates perished.
Sir Bobby is honoured alongside fellow United heroes George Best and Denis Law in the 'United Trinity' statue outside Old Trafford's main entrance.
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A scarf was placed around the neck of Sir Bobby's statue as a steady stream of fans laid flowers, leave scarves and notes. Others spent time quietly reflection on the life and career of one of the all-time greats.
Phil Macauley, 61, originally from Whalley Range and who now lives in Southport, said: "I was on my way to a party, and as a proud Englishman was looking forward to watching the rugby beforehand when my wife told me the news. I was absolutely gutted and just had to come here.
"I only have three sporting heroes - Muhammed Ali, Roger Federer and Sir Bobby Charlton. He was the one for me. He was never sent off. He was only booked once and it was rescinded. He won the World Cup for England and scored in a European Cup final for United.
"As a United and England fan, it's hard to think who could be more iconic. He was a very important part of my childhood. It's