Sir Bobby Charlton obituary: Man Utd icon experienced the highs and lows of football before death at 86

Charlton was one of football's good guys, a gentle soul who experienced the highs and lows of the sport - and life - before his death.

He was always destined to be involved in the sport due to his family, with four of his uncles - Jack Milburn, George Milburn, Jim Milburn, and Stan Milburn - also professional footballers.

His mother's cousin was also Jackie Milburn, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in Newcastle's entire history.

And, of course, there's his younger brother Jack - who also succeeded in making a career of the sport.

Charlton's career started when, at the age of 15, he signed a pre-contract with Manchester United.

He then became professional 12 months later and had to fight to make his mark before finally making his debut in a match against, fittingly, Charlton in 1956.

He didn't look back, however. And despite his young age, he refused to be overwhelmed or overawed.

​Charlton made 17 appearances during his first season at United, scoring 12 goals to help them win the First Division title under Sir Matt Busby.

He also experienced his first taste of the European Cup, too.

And that would be a competition where he would enjoy dizzying highs - and absolutely devastating lows.

In 1958, 23 people were killed in the Munich Air Disaster.

The club stopped off in Germany to refuel their plane in terrible weather, with players and other figures on board concerned about jetting off in such extreme conditions.

That was when tragedy struck.

The plane crashed into a fence and a house on the runway, with eight United players consequently killed.

Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, and Liam Whelan all died at the scene.

Duncan Edwards, who many felt was destined to become United and England's greatest-ever player, then passed away 15 days later.

The rest of the fatalities included staff, journalists and flight attendants - with 23 killed in total.

Busby himself nearly died, too. He was able to survive, however, despite being read the Last Rites twice while in hospital.

Charlton could have been forgiven for quitting football after such trauma. Instead, however, she showed courage to continue playing.

In 1966, there was one of the crowning moments of his career.

United weren't at the races that year, enduring a trophyless season under Busby.

But Charlton helped England win the World Cup at Wembley, with Germany beaten 4-2 in the final following a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst.

That would be the crowning moment of an international career that saw him score 49 goals from 106 appearances.

To put that number into perspective, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane are the only two England players to find the net more.

In 1968, Charlton then experienced more joy.

Fittingly, 10 years on from the tragedy of Munich, he played a key role as Manchester United beat Benfica to win the European Cup.

Playing alongside the likes of George Best and Denis Law, Charlton reached the promised land. It remains one of football's most memorable full-circle moments.

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Charlton would leave United for Preston North End at the tail end of his career with 249 goals from 758 games.

He proceeded to work for the club as an ambassador and, until recent years, has been a frequent visitor to Old Trafford - where he has a statue and a stand in his honour.

Charlton will be missed by many. Not just at United, but in the wider world of football as well.

He was one of the good guys. One of England's good guys, too.

Manchester United have paid tribute to Charlton with a statement. It 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.

"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."