United saddened by Charlton’s dementia diagnosis
MANCHESTER United have pledged their support to Sir Bobby Charlton, after it was revealed the Old Trafford legend has dementia.
The news came just two days after Charlton’s United and England teammate Nobby Stiles died following his own battle with the illness.
In July, Sir Bobby’s brother Jack also passed away, himself having previously being diagnosed with dementia. In a statement before yesterday’s game at home against Arsenal, the club said: ‘Everyone at
Manchester United is saddened that this terrible disease has afflicted Sir Bobby Charlton and we continue to offer our love and support to Sir Bobby and his family.’
Speaking after the match, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addressed the death of Stiles and Charlton’s illness. ‘It’s sad news for everyone surrounding
Man United and the fans of Nobby,’ said the Norwegian. ‘I had the pleasure of meeting him and what a humble man. Of course we as a club want to support Sir Bobby as well.’ Former United captain Steve Bruce hailed Sir Bobby and Stiles (left) as ‘greats’ who impressed both on and off the pitch. The Newcastle manager said: ‘I’ve had the privilege to have been in their company many, many times. The two of them are greats.
‘The way they are as football players is one thing, but their humility, what they stood for, the way they were as individuals, Nobby and Sir Bobby were quite exemplary.
‘All the advice they gave, you’d accept. In the ten years nearly I was at Manchester United, he came round, Sir Bobby did, every day and shook you by the hand.’