Explained: Why Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag will not attend funeral of club legend and World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton

The Red Devils legend, who passed away on October 21 at the age of 86, will be laid to rest on Monday following an emotional service at Manchester Cathedral. Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be among those in attendance.

Players from United’s past and present will also be on hand to pay their respects to the 1966 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Peter Schmeichel, Andy Cole, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans among those on the guestlist.

A number of current players will be absent due to international commitments with their respective countries. Dutch head coach Ten Hag is missing due to an “unbreakable commitment”, while club owners the Glazer family have opted to stay away in a bid to avoid providing an unwelcome distraction.

Charlton spent 17 years as a first-team star at Old Trafford, taking in 758 appearances and scoring 249 goals. He won three top-flight titles and the European Cup with United and earned 106 caps for his country – finding the target on 49 occasions for the Three Lions.