Man United news LIVE: Thousands to pay tribute at Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral service and reaction to victory over Luton

Man United great David Beckham has said Sir Bobby Charlton was ‘truly a national hero’ in a tribute posted on Instagram.

Beckham came through the ranks at Manchester United, having attended Bobby Charlton’s Soccer School and was given the middle name Robert as his father was such a fan of the 1968 European Cup winner.

‘It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United…

‘I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966,’ Beckham posted on Instagram.

‘A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero… Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented…

‘Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma, their daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby x @manchesterunited @england Today our hearts are heavy.’

Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral service will remain private and will not be filmed.

Guests arriving at Manchester Cathedral will each receive this order of service.

The service will feature eulogies by family members and the club.

Legendary Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is among the guests to have been pictured arriving in the last few minutes.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Richard Arnold, David Gill, John Shiels, Martin Edwards, Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will all be in attendance on behalf of Man United.

Current players Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will be present to pay their respects, with others will miss the funeral due to international duty.

Former players such as Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerand, John Aston Jnr, Brian Kidd, Sammy Mccllroy, Alan Gowling, Lou Macari, Willie Morgan, Martin Buchan, Bryan Robson and Mark Hughes will also attend.

However, Manchester United’s unpopular owners, the Glazer family, will stay away from the funeral on Monday afternoon amid fears of abuse from the club’s fans.

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The great and the good of the football world will be among the expected 1,000 guests for Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral.

Man United have invited representatives from every Premier League club.

It is expected every club will send a senior official to pay their respects to one of the best footballers England has ever produced.

Every living United captain has been invited to the service, alongside prominent former players including the Class of 92.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag was seen enjoying a meal at an Italian restaurant as he relaxed following his side’s crucial win in the Premier League.

The United boss clearly wanted to unwind in style as he was spotted at popular restaurant La Famiglia in Hale Village, Cheshire with a group of friends.

Ten Hag was all smiles as he and his group relaxed for the evening before heading home just before 11pm.

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While Sir Bobby Charlton will be the focus of Man United’s attentions today, the club enjoyed a boost on the weekend by brushing off their Champions League defeat to Copenhagen by earning a 1-0 win over Luton.

The result means Man United are the most in-form team in the Premier League over the last five games.

Man United fans have since caught two players ‘liking’ posts on X that suggest talk of Erik ten Hag having lost the dressing room is far from accurate.

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When the eulogies are read out at Sir Bobby Charlton‘s memorial service, mention may be made that he once played for Waterford.

It might raise a few eyebrows. Everyone knows Charlton as a legend for England and Manchester United, not to mention a perfect gentleman on and off the field who achieved global renown.

Mail Sport takes a look at how he ended up playing four matches for a League of Ireland outfit during the twilight of his career.

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Sir Bobby Charlton‘s only surviving sibling today led tributes to the 1966 hero, declaring: ‘He was an icon to me but he was my big brother’, ahead of his funeral this afternoon.

Tommy Charlton, 77, believes the Manchester United and England midfielder has been reunited with their older sibling Jack Charlton in heaven.

Tommy Charlton told the BBC: ‘He was my big brother. My fondest memories are when he was my brother. You’d meet him at the game and Bob would straighten your tie, and make sure your jacket was right and say you should have worn a different colour shirt. That was being a brother and I loved that’.

Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral will take place at Manchester Cathedral at 2pm.

Manchester United said the funeral cortege will pass Old Trafford on its way to the cathedral, with fans and members of the public are invited to pay their respects along the route.

‘Those coming to Old Trafford are advised to use the E2 car park and arrive at the East Stand forecourt from 13:00, with the funeral procession expected to pass in front of the Trinity Statue at 13:30,’ Manchester United said.

‘The funeral cortege will then travel to Manchester Cathedral for the service, which will begin at 14:00.

It is expected that up to 1,000 guests will attend the cathedral to pay their respects to Sir Bobby and celebrate his incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced.

‘The service will be led by Canon Nigel Ashworth and include eulogies by family members and the football club.

‘The service within the cathedral will remain private and will not be broadcast or filmed.

‘The Charlton family and Manchester United would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and respect towards Sir Bobby.’

Sir Bobby Chartlon’s family have requested no flowers, with donations instead welcomed for the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s UK.

Welcome to Mail Sport’s coverage of Manchester United on Monday on what promises to be an emotional day for all those connected with the club.

Club legend Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral will be taking place in Manchester this afternoon with thousands expected to line the streets to pay their respects.

Sir Bobby died last month after a fall at a care home where he was suffering from dementia.

We will also provide all the latest following Manchester United’s victory over Luton on Saturday.