Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: Key Man Utd figures set to snub service as details drop

Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: Service for Man Utd icon will be held on Monday

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 13/11/2023

- 09:27

Updated: 13/11/2023

- 12:50

The Red Devils icon died at the age of 86 last month

The Glazers won't be attending the funeral of Manchester United icon Sir Bobby Charlton on Monday, according to reports.

The Red Devils icon died at the age of 86 last month after a fall at a care home.


Charlton had been battling dementia prior to his death and the world will now celebrate the 1966 World Cup winner on Monday.

The former midfielder is one of United's best-ever players, having starred for the club during his playing days.

Sir Bobby Charlton Man Utd

Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: Man Utd owners the Glazers won't be attending the service

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Charlton won three First Division titles at Old Trafford, while also propelling the club to European Cup glory in 1968.

That came 10 years after he'd survived the Munich Air Disaster, in which 23 people were killed.

According to the Daily Star, however, the Glazers won't be attending the funeral today.

The United owners are much-maligned figures, having overseen a decade of drift.

And they apparently fear abuse should they turn up to pay their respects for Charlton.

They see it as 'too big a risk' to show their faces, despite everything Charlton did for the club.

The Glazers don't want any negativity to impact the funeral service for the United icon.

If they do perform a U-turn, then only Joel Glazer will attend and represent the ownership.

The Glazers have owned United ever since 2005.

The club were initially successful following their takeover that year, winning five Premier League titles.

However, the family have been widely criticised with United now going 10 years and counting since their last title triumph.

The Glazers said last winter they were open to potentially selling up.

Yet that won't be happening, with the Americans choosing to accept an offer of minority investment instead.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to buy a 25 per cent stake in United instead.

And the INEOS chief will have full control over sporting matters as the club look to turn their fortunes around.

United, meanwhile, paid tribute to Charlton while announcing his death last month.

A club statement read: "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.

"A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.

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Sir Bobby Charlton Man Utd

Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: Man Utd have been in mourning ever since the death of their legend

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"For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.

"Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.

"His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.

"The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."

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