Skip to content

Manchester United rename stand in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton had the South Stand at Old Trafford named after him prior to the match against Everton

Manchester United have paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton by renaming Old Trafford's south stand after their former captain ahead of the clash with Everton.

The 78-year-old and his wife Norma were presented to the crowd before the Super Sunday fixture, and they were greeted by a rapturous home support who waved flags bearing the World Cup winner's name.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife Norma at Old Trafford
Image: Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife Norma at Old Trafford

Charlton scored a record 249 goals in 758 appearances for United and was honoured ahead of the game, with the presentation to mark his 60 years at the club.

Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife Norma are presented to the Old Trafford crowd before the game
Image: Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife Norma are presented to the Old Trafford crowd before the game

A member of the revered Busby Babes, Charlton made his England debut just two months after surviving the Munich air disaster in 1958, and went on to win the World Cup with his county in 1966 - the same year he won the Ballon d'Or.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal looks on as Sir Bobby Charlton is honoured at Old Trafford
Image: Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal looks on as Sir Bobby Charlton is honoured at Old Trafford

At club level with United he won three league titles, an FA Cup and captained his team to European Cup glory in 1968.

He left Manchester United to become Preston North End manager in 1973 as one of the most decorated players in the club's history.

The newly renamed Sir Bobby Charlton Stand at Old Trafford
Image: The newly renamed Sir Bobby Charlton Stand at Old Trafford

Charlton became a director at Old Trafford in 1984, playing a major role in the appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson, after whom the north stand at the stadium is named. 

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Anthony Martial netted Manchester United's 1000th home Premier League goal in their 1-0 win over Everton

Ferguson also took time on the day to pay tribute to Charlton and thanked him for his help during his time at the club.

Manchester United fans hold up a mosaic in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton
Image: Manchester United fans hold up a mosaic in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton

"My time at United has been laced with all these great moments and none more so than my friendship with Bobby and what he has done for me," he told MUTV.

"His daughters are here together, Suzanne and Andrea, and they will have seen him playing, so you can glorify him now a little bit.

Manchester United honoured Sir Bobby Charlton
Image: Manchester United honoured Sir Bobby Charlton

"The grandchildren have never seen him play, so take this moment as the best moment of your life. You are here when Bobby, your grandfather, has got a stand named after him. That's the best moment of your life, you'll never forget it and make sure you get your photograph taken with it.

"Bobby, thanks for everything you have done for me."

Around Sky