Manchester United have announced that the South Stand at Old Trafford will be renamed to commemorate Sir Bobby Charlton.

The World Cup winner was instrumental in the Red Devils securing three league titles as well as the European Cup in 1968 and remains their all-time record goalscorer.

Charlton played over 750 matches for the Red Devils, scoring a record 249 goals, as United won three League titles and the European Cup in 1968.

He was also a member of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad, scoring three times in the tournament as the Three Lions went on to beat West Germany in the final at Wembley.

And United have moved to ensure Charlton's lasting connection with the club, where he is now a director, by changing the name of the South Stand, with the unveiling set to take place on April 2 before the club host Everton in the Premier League.

"This is a great honour and I am very proud – for myself and my family – that the club has chosen to name the South Stand after me," Charlton told United's official website.

"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 marvelous players I played with. As a director, I have seen some outstanding matches and players. It is a special place indeed."

Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, added: "Bobby is, quite simply, the most iconic figure in English football history.

"A player, a diplomat, a gentleman and a tireless worker for charity, he represents everything that is good about football and Manchester United.

"It has been a privilege to know him and humbling to work alongside him for the last 10 years.

"Renaming the South Stand, which contains both the Directors’ Box and the old players’ changing rooms, is a fitting tribute to all that Bobby has contributed to the club both as a player and a director."

Charlton joins Sir Alex Ferguson in having a stand named after him at Old Trafford, with the former North Stand having been renamed to reflect the Scot's achievements in management in 2011.

He deserves it

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