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SIR Alex Ferguson said Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral today was a fantastic way to remember the man who “supported me 100 per cent”.
Fans flocked to Old Trafford and to Manchester Cathedral for a public funeral service to remember Charlton, who died aged 86 last month.
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Charlton was influential in appointing Ferguson as manager in 1986News Group Newspapers Ltd
He could see the work Ferguson was doing in restructuring the clubPA:Press AssociationThe service was attended by United stars past and present, other football dignitaries and even the Prince of Wales.
Speaking after the service, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex told the BBC: “It’s a very sombre occasion.
“One of the tributes from his grandson, I thought was fantastic.
“It’s not easy going up there and speaking. The speakers did a great job.”
“He was a fantastic man,” he continued. “I’m here at United because of Bobby Charlton.
“The day I came, he supported me 100 per cent, all the way.
“He was totally behind me and everything we tried to do with youth. I’m here because of Bobby Charlton.”
As a director Charlton was influential in not only appointing Ferguson as manager in 1986 but standing by him during troubled early years.
He could see the work Ferguson was doing in restructuring the club and believed that patience would pay dividends.
Charlton will be remembered as arguably the greatest English footballer of all time, a World Cup winner in 1966 with his country and a winner of three league titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup with Manchester United in 1968.
However, the eulogies read at his funeral service at Manchester Cathedral all highlighted how family came first for Charlton.
His grandson William Balderston read the last of the tributes and recalled a “creative, fantastic storyteller” who would make up what he called “jelly and custard” tales to entertain and enthral his younger relatives.
He spoke of his “depth of gratitude” to Charlton and his wife Norma, adding: “They have shown me what devotion really is.”
Thousands of fans lined the apron of Old Trafford to pay their respects as Charlton’s funeral cortege drove past.
Many hundreds more gathered outside the Cathedral with more than 1,000 guests coming to pay their respects.
There were team-mates from Charlton’s own glory days – Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerand and Brian Kidd – with the guest list reading like a who’s who of United’s history for the last six decades.
From the current squad, Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw were in attendance.
Beyond the club, the Prince of Wales – the president of the Football Association – led a delegation from the governing body which also included current England manager Gareth Southgate.
Sir Bobby’s widow Norma Ball and his family at her beloved partner’s funeral
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