Soccer

Manchester United to rename South Stand after Bobby Charlton

Old Trafford’s old Main Stand will be named after club’s all-time record goalscorer

Manchester United are to rename the South Stand at Old Trafford after Bobby Charlton. Photograph: Getty
Manchester United are to rename the South Stand at Old Trafford after Bobby Charlton. Photograph: Getty
Mon Feb 15 2016 - 12:12

Old Trafford's South Stand will be renamed in honour of Manchester United's record goal scorer, Bobby Charlton.

United announced on Monday that the South Stand is to 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 a record 249 goals. The 1966 World Cup winner won the league four times during a 17-year career at Old Trafford and was part 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.

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Charlton, now a director at Old Trafford, said: “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.

"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.

“I would like to thank everyone connected with Manchester United. So many people work so hard to keep us at the top; their effort should never be forgotten.

“But most of all, I would like to thank Norma, my wonderful wife and my family for the support and encouragement they have always provided. This is for them.”

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

United 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.”