Tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton from both current and former Man Utd players

Former and current Manchester United players have been expressing their respects following the death of the iconic Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away at the age of 86.

Before Wayne Rooney overtook him in 2017, Charlton held the record as Manchester United's top scorer of all time. Notably, he was one of the survivors from the Munich air disaster in 1958 and was immeasurable to the rejuvenation of Manchester United following the incident.

Having represented United 758 times in 17 years, his death leaves Sir Geoff Hurst as the only living England player who participated in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany.

The Footballing community in England has collectively expressed loss at the passing of Charlton, who was renowned for his modesty, gentlemanliness, and shy nature, with worldwide recognition and tributes being paid.

After Manchester United's victory over Sheffield United on Saturday night, team manager Erik ten Hag said, 'A legendary personality, a colossal loss – his contributions are just astonishing and overwhelming. His achievements didn't just impact England, but they made waves across the globe.'

David Beckham recounted his early days at Old Trafford: 'I began my career under Sir Bobby's guidance. Owing to him, I got the chance to play for Manchester United... I will eternally appreciate a man I was named after, and a man I admired and considered a worldwide hero.'

'Sir Bobby was an integral part of the dressing room and his presence always lighted up the environment. He's a true legend and an integral part of the club.' according to Harry Maguire. He noted, 'While we are joyful to have won the game today, this surpasses football. We extend our condolences to his family. He will definitely be missing in the world and the club.'

Record Manchester United scorer Rooney, now the manager of Championship club Birmingham, expressed his shock stating, 'Hearing the news during half-time was shocking. His major accomplishments, the 1966 World Cup and the European Cup in 1968 following the Munich disaster - he lived an outstanding life. He's truly a legend of the sport.'

Rio Ferdinand and other personalities paid homage to Charlton across social media: 'Naming him an icon, a legend and a great... honestly, many don't deserve these titles, not when compared to a person of Sir Bobby's stature,' wrote Ferdinand.

'The most notable Man Utd ambassador for the last five to six decades. One of the core members belonging to the original Busby Babes. He had a successful youth career at Man Utd before winning the European Cup, the World Cup, and he was an integral part of the club's administration in the modern era,' said former right-back Gary Neville.

'He used to visit the dressing room, regardless of game results. He is undoubtedly an icon. This is a great loss today. He was arguably the finest English player and ambassador for football. A true champion, both on and off the pitch.'

Eric Cantona, another legendary figure at Manchester United, malevolently reacted, 'Rest in Peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the all-time best.'

Manchester United's defensive midfielder, Casemiro, posted a moving tribute: 'Winner of everything, the European Cup, the World Cup and Ballon d'Or, Sir Bobby Charlton was arguably one of the most decorated Manchester United players of all time. His victory in the 1968 European Cup with Red Devils was a significant landmark in the rich history of our club. Rest in Peace, Sir Bobby Charlton.'

Denis Law, Charlton's one-time teammate at United, also remembered him: 'What a sad day…what more can be said. Sir Bobby was not only an outstanding player but a gentleman. To him, Manchester United was everything. We experienced many happy and fruitful years playing together and it was a delight to be his teammate. He possessed a divine awareness of where everyone was on the pitch and when I was around him, that was a dream for me. His precise kicks meant the ball would always find me, and it did. He had a powerful shot which made scoring difficult for the opponent's goalkeepers. On a rare occasion they did obstruct it, I would simply finish the job.'

'I, George [Best] and Bobby had a special bond. We supported each other when one of us had a bad day, and that was what made our connection special. All football fans, like myself, are mournful today.'

England manager Gareth Southgate added: 'Meeting him on numerous occasions gave me profound insight into his personal pride and emotions associated with representing England, and it solidified in my mind his stature as a gentleman of the game.'

'The football community around the world mourns the loss of an undisputed legend.'

Fans globally can learn how to extend tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton on Manchester United's official web portal.