Sir Bobby: 'The epitome of a United player'

Brian Kidd and Paddy Crerand, who won the European Cup alongside Sir Bobby in 1968, were at Old Trafford on Monday to share their memories of the United and England icon, who passed away on Saturday.

Wes Brown and Gary Neville, homegrown Reds with over 900 appearances for the club between them, also showed their appreciation for Sir Bobby and everything he contributed to United over the years.

“The greatest English footballer and the greatest ambassador for English football,” wrote Neville, who followed Charlton as a United club captain.

“The epitome of what a Manchester United player is: honesty, courage, hard work, loyalty and talent!

“The Busby Babes are my heroes and I hope you are all hugging each other right now.

“Thank you isn’t enough for how much you have done for our great club.”

Crerand played in midfield with Sir Bobby for many seasons and remembers him as an amazing person, as well as one of the most talented footballers these isles have produced.

“He was a gentleman of the highest quality, although on the pitch he never stopped moaning!” Paddy said, after writing his own message.

“I remember saying to him one day: ‘Bobby, we can't do the things you can do. If we could play like you, we would be delighted!’

“If you went anywhere and mentioned Bobby Charlton, people would know exactly who you're talking about.”

Charlton’s finest hour in a United shirt undoubtedly came at Wembley in May 1968, scoring twice as the Reds beat Benfica 4-1 to clinch Europe’s biggest prize.

The youngest member of that side, netting the third goal on what was his 19th birthday, Kidd would go on to have a long association with the club, most notably as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant during the 1990s.

Like Neville, Kidd views Sir Bobby as embodying the spirit of United, inspiring others to follow his example and he hopes this is something that will continue for years to come.

“He was unbelievable,” Kidd told us. “You know, his humility, his modesty, his empathy to people stood out even as a young boy.

“When you came in as an apprentice, he inspired you and made you think maybe one day you may play for Manchester United. That's the example he set.

“I think when you consider Munich and then 10 years later, when we won the European Cup, you wonder what was going through Bobby's mind and Sir Matt’s - you know, to all the players that perished, the staff, the journalists, the aircraft passengers, the stewards, the pilots.

“It must have been horrendous. It must have been really soul-searching.

“He epitomised everything that was what a Manchester United player should be. His legacy will live on, there’s no doubt about that.”

Fans and members of the public can still leave their own messages by accessing the International Suite at Old Trafford between 10am and 10pm, apart from on Tuesday when the opening hours are 10am to 4pm. 

Supporters can also post their condolences online.