Sir Alex Ferguson and Prince William among mourners as thousands gather for Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral

The Prince of Wales arrives at Manchester Cathedral

The England manager, Gareth Southgate

Charlton’s teammate, the Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney

Former midfielder Paul Scholes arrives at the funeral

Manchester United’s appearances record-holder, Ryan Giggs

Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce

Charlton died last month aged 86, five days after a fall at his care home.

The Ashington-born midfielder made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals for United in a glittering 17-year playing career. He survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 to help rebuild United, and went on to lift the European Cup in 1968, two years after playing a starring role as England won the World Cup.

The funeral cortege was set to begin at Old Trafford, where Charlton is celebrated alongside Denis Law and George Best in the “United Trinity” statue, and pass through streets lined with thousands of fans, before reaching Manchester Cathedral.

Flowers lie outside Old Trafford ahead of the memorial service

A wreath lies against the United Trinity Statue

The cortege was planned to pass through a guard of honour comprising members of the club’s Under-18 and Under-21 squads and the statue before setting off for the cathedral via the A56, Trinity Way, Chapel Street and Victoria Bridge.

The ceremony, which is not being filmed or broadcast, will include eulogies and tributes from former United chief executive David Gill, former Manchester United Foundation chief executive John Shiels and a personal tribute from Charlton’s family.

Hymns will include Abide With Me, which is traditionally sung before the FA Cup final, Jerusalem and a rendition of How Great Thou Art by opera singer Russell Watson.

Ex-United midfielder and captain Bryan Robson

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel

Former Manchester United winger Ashley Young

Ex-United striker Andrew Cole attends the service

Former West Ham captain Mark Noble arrives in Manchester

The family requested donations in lieu of flowers to a series of charities close to Charlton’s heart, the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s UK.

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans were among the current United players at the funeral.

Liverpool’s record appearance-holder Ian Callaghan and Manchester City great Mike Summerbee also attended, along with City director Ferran Soriano, and Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno.

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