Gary Lineker's heartfelt Match of the Day tribute to Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has paid a heartfelt tribute to Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton following his passing on Saturday.

Charlton, who represented England on 106 occasions scoring 49 goals, was an iconic figure who transcended United. Before kick off against Sheffield United yesterday, the Reds' current crop of players paid tribute to the 86-year-old and dedicated their victory to the midfielder's family.

Before Saturday night's Match of the Day highlights, Lineker opened the show with a tribute package to Charlton which encompassed his footballing career. The 62-year-old said: "Think of Sir Bobby Charlton and that shot hammers into your mind, off either foot at the most crucial moments, the unmistakable signature of a magnificent player.

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"Bobby was a diamond plucked from coal, born in a Northumberland pit village he was related to the great Jackie Milburn. His brother Jack also turned professional.

"At Manchester United he was part of the exciting crop of young players known as the Busby Babes. And he was on that plane on the runway in Munich in 1958. In the crash, Bobby was hurt but survived. 23 people died including eight of his teammates.

"Out of that unimaginable horror, Bobby helped rebuild United. In time he would be joined by Denis Law and George Best, the trinity which inspired the club to the European Cup ten years after the disaster. In the final, Bobby scored twice.

"But, it was at the 1966 World Cup where Bobby's most enduring memories were made. His goal against Mexico kickstarted England, his two in the semi-finals saw him pass Eusebio's