Sammy McIlroy: Sir Bobby Charlton was Mr Manchester United

Sir Bobby Charlton

Sammy McIlroy has described Sir Bobby Charlton as "Mr Manchester United" and the world of football will not see his like again.

The legendary United and England midfielder died on Saturday morning aged 86 after a long illness.

A youngster in the title-winning sides of the mid-1950s who survived the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster, he was a key component in the 1960s rebuild that led two league titles and the first English side to win the European Cup.

Sir Bobby was also arguably the one truly World class talent and lynchpin that drove England to win the1966 World Cup.

Sammy remembers with fondest a man who transcended football to become something of a national icon, but who remained deeply humble throughout.

"Sir Bobby was a legend known all over the world as a fantastic footballer and a fantastic man," said Sammy. "He was a rare phenomenon. I don't think Manchester United will get another Bobby - I doubt football will, either.

"Above all he was Mr Manchester United. I never saw anyone who had as much love for the club. His service as a player, director and ambassador was absolutely fantastic."

McIlroy was one of the new generation of United talent that was coming through as the great United side of the 1960s was breaking up.

There was a brief but memorable period where Sammy was able to play alongside the likes of the Trinity of Charlton, Best and Law when they were still in their prime.

"I made my debut against Man City in November and Sir Bobby was captain that day," recalled Sammy. "He came over to me in the changing room, put his hand on my shoulder and said: 'enjoy yourself and express yourself and everything will be fine'. I scored in a 3-3 draw and remember thinking that day what a thrill it