'A final farewell to one of the game’s most revered figures'
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor on BBC Radio 5 Live
It’s going to be an emotional day.
Manchester United have said Sir Bobby’s funeral will be a celebration of what they called 'an incredible life as a family man and one of the finest footballers that England has ever produced'.
The cortege will initially pass by Old Trafford, it will pass through a guard of honour made up of member’s of the club’s youth teams and then pause at the United Trinity statue where Sir Bobby is immortalised alongside fellow greats George Best and Dennis Law.
The area has been flooded with flowers and memorabilia since Sir Bobby’s death last month, prompting tributes from around the world.
The procession will then make its way to Manchester Cathedral for the service, with fans and members of the public invited to pay their respects along the route and say a final farewell to one of the game’s most revered figures.
Then there will be a memorial service which is private for the family and invited guests of those in charge of this affair. It will be attended by more than 1,000 guests, expected to include past and present footballing stars, it will feature eulogies from family members and United will be represented by legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The congregation will include former team mates of Sir Bobby, some of whom were members of that 1968 European Cup-winning side. Some of United’s first team squad will be there and tributes will be led by David Gill, the club’s former chief executive.
There will be a musical tribute from opera singer Russell Watson before a private wake at Old Trafford later in the afternoon.
