Sir Bobby Charlton was a unique footballer and a person; this was evident with the crowd and dignitaries at his funeral. He is the only Englishman to have been named to four World Cup squads, the only Englishman to have won the coveted trifecta of World Cup, Ballon d'Or, and European Cup, and England's all-time highest goalscorer (for more than four decades, until Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane surpassed him). Many expert pundits and star players claimed on the steps of Manchester Cathedral that Sir Bobby Charlton remains, even in death, the greatest-ever English footballer. The forecast rain in Manchester did not come, as if a higher authority decided today was not the day for brollies and puddles. People showed up early. Famous persons are in high demand. They were all pausing to offer their heartfelt respects.

As the autumn leaves blew about the feet of the gathered congregation in the brisk north-west wind, dozens of TV cameras and hundreds of photographers were crammed into the small grassy space outside the north entrance to Manchester Cathedral. But, temporarily at least, the usual rivalries of journalistic one-upmanship were gone. Even those, like myself, who strained with outstretched arms and microphones to grab a word with one of the mourners, seemed to know that a more polite, generous working atmosphere was appropriate. While many of the 1,000-strong audience wanted to talk about what an incredible footballer he was, just as many wanted to tell the world what a nice, sweet, and humble guy Sir Bobby remained.

Sir Alex Ferguson, a sobbing Steve Bruce, an emotional Bryan Robson, an adoring Alex Stepney, and an appreciative Paddy Crerand all spoke of how Charlton made them feel welcome and at ease at Old Trafford. How he always had time to converse, how giving and nice he was. Crerard and Stepney - now among only five surviving members of Manchester United's first European Cup triumph in 1968 - spoke of how he inspired, rebuilt, and led the team so admirably after the tragedy of the Munich air disaster that claimed 23 lives and decimated Manchester United's Busby Babes. 

Sir Alex recalled how Sir Bobby had always been there for him and provided a shoulder to cry on during difficult times. Bruce and Robson spoke of how the aura of Sir Bobby seeped into every nook and cranny at Old Trafford, inspiring and motivating those who followed in his shadow through the tunnel in the years after his retirement. And, maybe surprisingly, there were more smiles than tears. This was a historic occasion, and the illustrious guest list appeared as determined to commemorate and celebrate his life as they were to lament his death.
 

Inside the Cathedral, there were no cameras or reporters. Lady Norma, Sir Bobby's devoted wife, and the rest of the Charlton family wished to keep this most public of festivities intimate and private. The service was straightforward, classy, and unforgettable, according to the attendees. The hymn Abide With Me, the traditional curtain-raiser to the FA Cup Final, which Sir Bobby won in 1963, complemented the occasion perfectly. The most memorable image of the day, however, will be of the fan-lined streets of Manchester, where hundreds waited patiently and then respectfully clapped as they had a brief view of Sir Bobby's hearse as it made its journey from Old Trafford to the Cathedral. Sir Bobby will always be associated with England and Manchester United. This was the people of both his city and his country bidding him farewell.

(Image: Skysports)