Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United and England legend, has died aged 86, his family announced in a statement on Saturday.

Charlton is regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever players, scoring 249 goals in 758 appearances between 1956 and 1973. He won the European Cup with United in 1968, as well as three First Division titles.

The 1966 World Cup winner earned 106 caps for England, scoring 49 times, a goalscoring record which he held from 1970 to 2015. 

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning,” a statement from his family read.

“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and to the many people who have loved and supported him.

“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

In 2020, it was announced Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia and as the disease took hold he stopped attending matches at Old Trafford.

Charlton's European Cup success at United came 10 years after the 1958 Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Matt Busby survived but which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton's team-mates.

The midfielder played in the World Cup final alongside his brother Jack, who died aged 85 in 2020, and won 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals.

Manchester United also paid their own tribute to Charlton who they called “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the club’s history”.

“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world,” a club statement read.

“He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.

“A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.

“Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.

“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”

People lay tributes and flowers at the base of the 'United Trinity' sculpture, depicting former Manchester United players Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law, outside of Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Photo: Paul ELLIS / AFP

United figurehead

Charlton made his debut for United in 1956 and went on to play 758 matches for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals. Both were long-standing club records until they were overtaken by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney respectively.

He won three league three titles and one FA Cup at Old Trafford and, after leaving United in 1973 and becoming Preston manager, he returned to Old Trafford 11 years later as a club director. He was knighted for services to football in 1994.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Charlton's influence on football had been long-lasting.

"We mourn the loss of one of England's 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations," Infantino said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace."

Gary Lineker, the former England forward and now a BBC presenter, said Charlton was "for me, England's greatest ever player".

"He may no longer be with us but he'll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby."

Bobby Charlton waves to Japanese football fans prior to a friendly football match between Manchester United and Japan's Yokohama F Marinos at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama on July 23, 2013. Photo:Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP