A coroner has ruled the death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was 'accidental' after an inquest heard he suffered a fall at a care home, it was confirmed today.

The footballing icon - one of the best ever to have played the game - died at the age of 86 on October 21, prompting tributes from the sporting world across the globe.

The news came after Manchester United confirmed a memorial service for Sir Bobby will be held at Manchester Cathedral on Monday, November 13, at 2pm. A procession to the cathedral will also pass by Old Trafford where fans will be able to say a final farewell.

An inquest was held today - Wednesday - in front of a coroner at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington.

The hearing was told Sir Bobby, who made 758 appearances for United and won the European Cup in 1968, as well as the World Cup with England in 1966, died at Macclesfield General Hospital.

He was said to have been living and receiving respite care at The Willows, a nursing home in Knutsford caring for patients with dementia, since July. The inquest was told Sir Bobby suffered a fall on October 16 after standing up from a chair he was sitting on and lost his balance. It was reported he fell onto a windowsill and 'possibly' a radiator.

Staff at the nursing home are said to have performed a thorough body check and no visible injuries were discovered, but swelling on his back went on to be found.

Sir Bobby was taken to a local hospital before being moved to Macclesfield General, where he later passed away. Sir Bobby's widow, Lady Norma Charlton, is said to have provided a statement for the hearing and Jacqueline Devonish, the senior coroner for Cheshire, recorded a conclusion of accidental death after hearing all the evidence.

A medical cause of death was given as '1a traumatic haemopneumothorax, 1b fall, 1c Alzheimers dementia'.

The coroner recorded: "Retired Manchester United legendary footballer Sir Bobby Charlton was admitted to Macclesfield Hospital at the age of 86 following a fall at his care home on 16 October 2023.

"He sustained rib fractures as he stood up and fell against a window sill due to being unsteady on his feet. He had resided at The Willows since July 2023 initially for respite and last two months of life. He continued to mobilise as usual following the fall until it was noted that he had swelling to his back.

"He was examined by the home's GP and transported to hospital where he was placed on end of life care and sadly passed away on 21 October 2023 at 03:50 hours."

Sir Bobby's date of birth was given as October 11, 1937, and his place of birth as Ashington, Northumberland. His full name was given as Sir Robert Charlton CBE and his occupation given as 'professional footballer (retired)'.

Tributes for the legendary figure have been pouring in, with United moving to pay tribute ahead of their home matches against FC Copenhagen and Manchester City last Sunday.