level came in May 1968 when he captained United to European Cup triumph. Sir Bobby scored twice in a 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica at Wembley. For Charlton the victory capped the post-Munich rebuilding, and he famously missed the post-match celebrations – opting instead to conduct a solitary remembrance of absent friends.

Sir Bobby continued to entertain as part of the famed Best-Law-Charlton triumvirate before he retired in 1973. He spent two years as manager and player-manager at Preston North End before resigning in August 1975.

He briefly played for Waterford in the Republic of Ireland in 1976 before accepting a

boardroom position at Wigan Athletic, where he took over as caretaker-manager during season 1982-83.

In June 1984 Charlton became a director of Manchester United, a position he still holds today. Already awarded the OBE and CBE, he became Sir Bobby Charlton in June 1994. A respected ambassador for his club, English football and the game across the world football, he is a figurehead: a link with the club’s past, present and future.