Tributes from across UK and global media outlets have poured in as crowds gathered for Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral at Manchester Cathedral.
The England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend passed away in Macclesfield General Hospital on 21 October, at the age of 86.
Mainstream broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV News, and Sky Sports News were all in attendance to capture the solemn atmosphere at both Old Trafford and Manchester Cathedral, between which a procession took place.
The media captured the atmosphere from the crowds, who lined the road from Old Trafford to Manchester Cathedral, applauding the hearse as it went by.
The funeral procession travels towards Manchester Cathedral ahead of Sir Bobby Charlton's funeral.
— Mancunian Matters (@MM_newsonline) November 13, 2023
Follow our live blog here: https://t.co/IVeRBsOGP9 pic.twitter.com/BJ72LG6YjL
Many current and former coaches were in attendance, including former United managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and England manager Gareth Southgate.
Former Red Devils players Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Steve Bruce were among other footballing figures who attended the funeral service.
Current Manchester United stars Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw additionally paid their respects.
The media also took photos of an array of non-footballing faces present, from Prince William – as President of the FA – to Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
Those arriving at Manchester Cathedral for Sir Bobby Charlton's funeral include Prince William, Andy Burnham and Gareth Southgate.https://t.co/IVeRBsOGP9 pic.twitter.com/mWkHhOsYAY
— Mancunian Matters (@MM_newsonline) November 13, 2023
As the coffin was carried into the cathedral, silence descended as the public observed the start of the funeral.
The service commenced at 2pm and nearly 1,000 people have joined the Charlton family, including members of the public.
The funeral was a private affair and not broadcast for public viewing.
It was a poignant scene as Sir Bobby Charlton's coffin arrived at a hushed Manchester Cathedral.
— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) November 13, 2023
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The National Football Museum, located in Manchester, also commemorated the World Cup winner’s legacy with a special token of remembrance.
Charlton was the former National Football Museum President and an inaugural inductee of the institution’s Hall of Fame in 2002.
The museum posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “Today, we will be remembering our President, Sir Bobby Charlton.
“One of the greatest Englishmen to ever lace up a pair of boots.”
Today, we will be remembering our President, Sir Bobby Charlton.@England World Cup winner. @ManUtd legend. One of the greatest Englishmen to ever lace up a pair of boots.https://t.co/sLHjyqOsz7 pic.twitter.com/Qto7cIwknD
— Nat. Football Museum (@FootballMuseum) November 13, 2023
They added some extra memorabilia and tributes in their museum in remembrance of the Ashington-born footballer.Feature image by William Comish
