Stand to be named after Sir Bobby

Sir Bobby - stand honour

OLD Trafford's South Stand is to be renamed in honour of Manchester United's record goal scorer, Sir Bobby Charlton.

The South Stand will become the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand as a mark of respect to one of the club's all–time greats.

Charlton joined United in 1953 and made 758 appearances for the club, scoring 249 goals.

The 1966 World Cup winner won the league four times during a 17–year career at Old Trafford and was a member of the 1968 European Cup winning side.

The former attacking midfielder was also one of the survivors of the Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the lives of eight of his team–mates in 1958.

Charlton, now a director at Old Trafford, said: "This is a great honour and I am very proud.

"Manchester United has been such an important part of my life and I have so many wonderful memories of this Theatre of Dreams.

"As a player, I remember the goals and the marvellous players I played with. As a director, I have seen some outstanding matches and players. It is a special place indeed.”

A renaming ceremony, involving 78–year–old Charlton and key figures from his life, will take place before the home game against Everton on April 2.