Sir Bobby Greatest in history of United

Tyrone Marshall pays tribute to Reds player and director following his death aged 86

- Tyrone Marshall

IT'S HARD to think of another figure in the history of Manchester United that embodies the club in the way that the great Sir Bobby Charlton did.

Charlton might have been a miner's son born in Northumberland, but at Old Trafford he became an honorary Mancunian. It is with United he was most closely associated and he was adored by everyone during his long association with the club.

His records of 758 games an 249 goals might have recently been surpassed, but Charlton is probably still considered United's greatest-ever player and for years he was almost the beating heart of the soul of the football club. Into later life he remained omnipresent, watching from the directors' box, and until recently he was still called on to offer advice and insight into football matters.

Charlton is one of only nine players to have won the World Cup with his country, European Cup with his club and the Ballon d'Or for himself. He is a true great of the game. He achieved it all having survived the Munich Air Disaster at the age of 20, a dark day that left an indelible mark on his life.

Charlton, born in October 1937, joined United as a schoolboy under Sir Matt Busby in 1953, penning professional terms the following year. He won the FA Youth Cup in 1954, 1955 and 1956 and made his senior debut at 18, scoring twice in a 4-2 win against Charlton Athletic.