Bobby Charlton, Manchester United icon who survived plane crash and won World Cup for England, dead at 86

Bobby Charlton, an English soccer icon who survived a plane crash that decimated a Manchester United team destined for greatness to become the heartbeat of his country's 1966 World Cup-winning team, has died. He was 86.

A statement from Charlton's family, released by United, said he died on Saturday surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Norma, whom he married in 1961, and his two daughters.

An extravagantly gifted midfielder with a ferocious shot, Charlton was the leading scorer for both United (249 goals) and England (49 goals) for more than 40 years until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.

"Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world," United said.

"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game."

Alex Ferguson, who managed United from 1986-2013, said before Charlton's death that he "is the greatest Manchester United player of all time — and that's saying something."

"Bobby Charlton is absolutely without peer in the history of the English game," Ferguson said.

Charlton was also renowned for his humility, discipline and sportsmanship. He was never sent off in 758 appearances for United from 1956-73 or in 106 internationals for England from 1958-70.

Charlton played with George Best and Denis Law in the "Trinity" that led United to the 1968 European Cup after surviving the 1958 Munich plane crash that wiped out the celebrated "Busby Babes" team. He won three English league titles at United, and one FA Cup.

"For a footballer, he offered an unparalleled combination of grace, power and precision,"