Manchester United to name South Stand under Sir Bobby Charlton

Manchester United have announced that the South Stand at Old Trafford will be renamed to commemorate Sir Bobby Charlton.

The World Cup winner was instrumental in the Red Devils securing three league titles as well as the European Cup in 1968 and remains their all-time record goalscorer.

Charlton played over 750 matches for the Red Devils, scoring a record 249 goals, as United won three League titles and the European Cup in 1968.

He was also a member of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad, scoring three times in the tournament as the Three Lions went on to beat West Germany in the final at Wembley.

And United have moved to ensure Charlton's lasting connection with the club, where he is now a director, by changing the name of the South Stand, with the unveiling set to take place on April 2 before the club host Everton in the Premier League.

"This is a great honour and I am very proud – for myself and my family – that the club has chosen to name the South Stand after me," Charlton told United's official website.

"Manchester United has been such an important part of my life and I have so many wonderful memories of this Theatre of Dreams.

"As a player, I remember the goals and the marvelous players I played with. As a director, I have seen some outstanding matches and players. It is a special place indeed."

Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, added: "Bobby is, quite simply, the most iconic figure in English football history.

"A player, a diplomat, a gentleman and a tireless worker for charity, he represents everything that is good about football and Manchester United.

"It has been a privilege to know him and humbling to work alongside him for the last 10 years.

"Renaming the South Stand, which contains both the Directors’ Box and the old players’ changing rooms, is a fitting tribute to all that Bobby has contributed to the club both as a player and a director."

Charlton joins Sir Alex Ferguson in having a stand named after him at Old Trafford, with the former North Stand having been renamed to reflect the Scot's achievements in management in 2011.

Read More →

Messi assists Suarez to score hat-trick as Barcelona beats Celta Vigo 6-1

The defending champions still have a game in hand on nearest rivals Atletico Madrid, with Real Madrid four points shy of Barca in third.

Barcelona had not been beaten in 29 previous matches in all competitions before the visit of a Celta team which had won two of the past three meetings between the sides.

Celta, who Luis Enrique left to manage Barca in May 2014, earned a surprise 1-0 win at the Nou Camp last season and thrashed their former boss's side in a 4-1 home success in September.

And they will have been quietly confident of causing another upset as they held their hosts 1-1 at the break.

Barca failed to find their rhythm in the first half, giving no indication to the virtually silent home supporters of what excitement would unfold in the second half.

Suarez clipped in Messi's pass to put Barca back in front just before the hour and bundled in Neymar’s cross on the goal-line for his second.

The Uruguay striker completed a 22-minute hat-trick by converting Messi's daring penalty, before substitute Rakitic's lob and Neymar's cool finish extended their unbeaten run to 30 matches.

Read More →