Sir Alex Ferguson arrives at Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral as a long guestlist of Man United legends – and four current stars – prepare to honour their greatest-ever player at Manchester Cathedral after his death aged 86

Sir Alex Ferguson led mourners at Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral service as prominent figures from the world of football paid tribute to one of England’s greatest-ever footballers. 

Family, friends, fans and famous players past and present will celebrate Charlton’s extraordinary life on Monday afternoon with his funeral cortege set to pass Old Trafford before heading on to Manchester Cathedral for a memorial service. 

Legendary United boss Ferguson was pictured arriving in windy conditions at Manchester Cathedral alongside former United chief executive David Gill. 

A host of former United players will attend, with Paddy Crerand, Alex Stepney, Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel and Andrew Cole among those at the service.

The England manager Gareth Southgate is also in attendance to pay respects to 1966 World Cup hero Charlton. 

Stepney described the 1966 World Cup winner as a ‘classic gentleman of football’ as he walked into the service. 

Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also present. 

The former Liverpool and Newcastle United player Alan Kennedy was among a host of representatives from other clubs.  

Thousands of fans and well-wishers lined the route of Charlton’s funeral cortege, which will pass Old Trafford at around 1.30pm before making its way to Manchester Cathedral for the 2pm service. 

Supporters gathered outside Old Trafford applauded as the cortege passed by. 

Beneath the statue of Charlton’s manager at United, Sir Matt Busby, a platform has been erected as thousands gather to pay respects.

An enormous poster depicting Charlton, who died on October 21 aged 86, in United colours hangs from the stadium’s exterior.

His cortege will pass the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue, which depicts Charlton celebrating a goal with fellow United greats Denis Law and George Best.

The service at the cathedral will be led by Canon Nigel Ashworth and feature eulogies by family members and the club. It will remain private and not be filmed. 

Many of the current squad members have already travelled off to represent their countries in the upcoming internationals and so won’t be present.

However, current manager Erik ten Hag will miss Charlton’s funeral due to an ‘unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in the Netherlands’. 

The club’s unpopular owners, the Glazer family, will also stay away amid fears of abuse from fans.  

Other greats from the world of sport, including former Olympic champion Daley Thompson, are also expected.

Tens of thousands have signed a book of condolence opened at Old Trafford following Sir Bobby’s passing in the early hours of October 21.

Charlton, who battled dementia in his later years, died following an accidental fall at a care home in Knutsford, Cheshire, coroners ruled.