Old Trafford's South Stand to be named after Sir Bobby Charlton By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 15/02/16 11:24am
Old Trafford's South Stand is to renamed after Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who made his debut for the club 60 years ago. The stand - the only part of the ground to contain some of the original 1910 infrastructure - will officially be re-named at the home game with Everton on 2 April. Charlton joined United as an apprentice in 1953, making his debut three years later. He went on to play for the club 758 times, scoring a club-record 249 goals. He is England's second-top scorer with 49, his record recently broken by Wayne Rooney.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told the club's website: "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 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."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10168159/old-traffords-south-stand-to-be-named-after-sir-bobby-charlton
