Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: Alex Ferguson solemn as he joins United footballers to remember legend
Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson has arrived for the ceremony
REUTERS
Sir Alex Ferguson looked solemn as the Manchester United icon arrived for the funeral of Sir Bobby Charlton on Monday.
The 86-year-old died in October after a fall at a care home.
Charlton won three First Division titles while playing for United, as well as the European Cup in 1968.
He was a key player for his country, too, helping England win the World Cup in 1966.
WATCH NOW: Fans pay respect to Sir Bobby
Charlton's life will be celebrated at Manchester Cathedral on Monday, with over 1,000 guests due to attend.
And Ferguson has arrived looking glum as he prepares to pay his respects to his old friend.
Ferguson was dressed appropriately in black while accompanied by former United chief David Gill.
Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson was accompanied by David Gill as he arrived for the funeral of Sir Bobby Charlton
REUTERS
United chief Richard Arnold has also arrived for the ceremony.
Arnold's long-term future at Old Trafford is uncertain amid suggestions Sir Jim Ratcliffe may replace him once he buys a 25 per cent stake in the club.
Ex-United players are in attendance today, too.
Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel, who helped the club win the treble in 1999, have turned up.
Paddy Crerand was seen talking to Andy Cole, with both players achieving success with United during their playing days.
Norma Charlton, Sir Bobby's wife, will also be celebrating her husband's life. Manager Erik ten Hag will be absent, however, while the Glazers have opted to stay away in order to avoid becoming a distraction.
Over 1,000 mourners are expected to attend, with United saying in a statement: "It is expected that up to 1,000 guests will attend the cathedral to pay their respects to Sir Bobby and celebrate his incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced.
"The Charlton family and Manchester United would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and respect towards Sir Bobby."
Charlton's family have requested donations in lieu of flowers to a series of charities close to the former footballer's heart.
These include the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, the Children's Adventure Farm Trust, the Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's UK.
Other former footballers who will be attending include Alex Stepney, John Aston Jnr, Brian Kidd, Sammy McIlroy, Alan Gowling, Lou Macari, Willie Morgan, Martin Duchan, Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Brian McClair, Steve Bruce, Mike Phelan, Gary Pallister, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Wes Brown, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young.
And current stars Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw will pay their respects as well.
United announced Charlton's death in a statement last month that 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.
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Sir Bobby Charlton's wife Norma has arrived for the funeral of the Man Utd icon
REUTERS
"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.
"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.
Man Utd chiefs past and present David Gill and Richard Arnold have turned up for Sir Bobby Charlton funeral
GETTY
"The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."
Charlton made 758 appearances for United during a successful 17-year playing career.
He also netted 249 goals - and only Rooney has bagged more for the club.
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