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Thousands of fans welcome Charlton funeral cortege at Old Trafford – ARN News Centre
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Manchester United great Bobby Charlton was remembered both as one of English soccer’s finest players and a “humble” and “fantastic” man by the thousands of fans and some of the sport’s biggest names who bid him a final farewell on Monday.
Charlton, a World Cup winner with England and one of United’s best ever players, died on Oct 21 at the age of 86.
Former United manager Alex Ferguson, former players Andy Cole and Paul Scholes, England manager Gareth Southgate, Prince William and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin were among the some-1,000 invited guests who attended the private service at Manchester Cathedral.
“I knew straight away what a great guy he was. Even on international duty it was about winning. A humble guy, a great family man. It never went to his head,” Charlton’s former team mate Alex Stepney told the BBC.
A throng of thousands of fans a dozen deep in places braved the blustery weather to applaud as Charlton made one final trip past Old Trafford.
His funeral cortege paused in front of the Trinity Statue of Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. The trio helped United become the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
A carefully laid collection of hundreds of bouquets and scarves around the statue’s base continues to grow.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were among the current United players to attend the service, with many absent due to international duties. Manager Erik ten Hag was not able to attend due to a commitment in the Netherlands.
The England team’s arrival at their training base at St. George’s Park was delayed on Monday to allow Southgate, Maguire and others to attend.
“Arguably we are talking about the greatest English footballer we have ever had,” former United captain Steve Bruce told Sky Sports. “Then of course, he had class as a man too. So when you have the mixture of the two you can understand why there are going to be thousands of people lining the streets.
“One simple thing he always said (when I joined United), ‘It’s a great club. Just enjoy it, enjoy the privilege of playing for this great football club.'”
Another former United captain Bryan Robson called it a “sad day for football, for Man United and Sir Bobby’s family”.
“He was a fantastic player, but not just that, he was a great person,” Robson told Sky News.
The ceremony was expected to include tributes and eulogies from former United chief executive David Gill and former Manchester United Foundation chief executive John Shiels, plus a personal tribute from Charlton’s family.
Hymns were to include “Abide With Me”, which is traditionally sung before the FA Cup final.
Charlton was a key figure in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, playing alongside his brother Jack. He made 758 appearances for United, scoring 249 goals, winning three league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup.
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Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.
The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.
The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.
Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.
Other ticket options
- Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
- Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
- Friday: Dh75
- Under 15s: Free
- People of Determination + carer: Dh375
Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.
Bigger family attractions
Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.
The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Six sports and top rugby action
Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.
Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.
The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.
The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.
Music all weekend
Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.
Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.
For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.
With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.
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