Jack Charlton and Sir Bobby Charlton

Reds' sadness as Jack Charlton passes away

Saturday 11 July 2020 10:00

Everyone at Manchester United extends deepest condolences to Sir Bobby and Lady Norma Charlton today, after hearing the immensely sad news that Jack Charlton has passed away due to a long-term illness. He was 85.

Sir Bobby’s older brother was a legendary central defender for England – the siblings famously were in the same World Cup-winning team of 1966 – while Leeds United were the only club he served during his entire playing career.
 
Jack made a club record 773 appearances and scored 96 goals for the West Yorkshire side from his debut in 1953 to his retirement in 1973 and helped them to win a full set of domestic honours, as well as Europe’s Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice, during his last five years on the pitch.
Jack and Bobby Charlton
As a successful manager, he took charge of Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle and most famously the Republic of Ireland, who he led to the European Championships in 1988 and two World Cups in 1990 and 1994.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "It's very sad news. He was a legend of football and a gentlemen. I watched Norway play Ireland in the World Cup in 1994. He was always so, so passionate when he was speaking and it is sad to hear."

Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby, Lady Norma and all of the Charlton family at this difficult time.