How Sir Bobby Charlton helped David Beckham achieve his dream at Manchester United

Sir Bobby Charlton's legacy at Manchester United spans far wider than pure statistics.

758 appearances, three First Division titles, one FA Cup and two goals in a 4-1 win over Benfica for the 1968 European Cup is no mean feat. But the measure of his influence on United comes via the stories of those who followed him in representing the club and how they were guided by a legend.

Charlton passed away on Saturday morning aged 86 with his family by his side. They announced the sad news via an emotional statement and tributes poured in from across the footballing world.

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Among those to pay tribute was David Beckham, who may never have been spotted by United had it not been for Charlton. After making his final appearance for the Reds in April 1973, he went on to play for and then manage Preston North End and in 1978 he set up the Bobby Charlton Soccer & Sports Academy.

The project held football skills sessions across the country and it was there that a young Beckham first made a name for himself. Having initially taken part as a 10-year-old, he went on to win the competition a year later and caught the eye of Charlton - who had taken on the role of director at United.

"Sir Bobby's always been about being successful in his career, but he's even more about helping other people and helping others," Beckham told the BBC in 2017. "And that's what's special about him as a person. He's respected on the field and he's respected even more so off the field.

"To look back all those years ago and to say Sir Bobby was one of the main reasons why I was able to join