MANCHESTER United and England great Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86, his family have announced in a statement.

Charlton was a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.

A statement on behalf of the Charlton family said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.”

He scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United and 49 goals for England.

Sir Geoff Hurst, England teammate and only surviving member of the 1966 World Cup winning squad, said: "Very sad news today. One of the true greats, Sir Bobby Charlton, has passed away.

"We will never forget him, nor will all of football. A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone.

"Condolences to his family and friends from Geoff and Judith."