Alex Ferguson recalls Bobby Charlton's debut for England and their personal connection years later when Ferguson was manager of Aberdeen and Charlton was a director of Manchester United.
"I first set eyes on Bobby Charlton when he made his debut for England against Scotland at Hampden Park in April 1958, just two months after surviving the Munich air disaster.
"But the Scottish keeper sprinted out of his goal 40 yards to congratulate him, not just because it was a great goal, but also because of what Bobby had been through. Everyone in the stadium that day could see there was a bit of magic about him but also some steel. "There was a terrible period in 1989 when we were really struggling, and there were all sorts of rumours about my future; but Bobby would not let the club even think about sacking me because he could see the work going on to lay the foundations for success.
"I'd tease him about the time he missed a penalty for England against Scotland in 1960, but he had a good record against Scotland, so he always had something to throw back at me. It was a real friendship that I came to cherish. "Eventually I gave in, and the board went up showing Figo's number. There was a gasp from the crowd and Figo came off and gave me a look. But then Bobby goes on and plays absolutely fantastically.
"People loved him because of all those thunderbolt goals but it was more than that. My dad used to say that humility in success is a sign of greatness, and that was Bobby. He never used to boast about his own achievements; it was always about the team and the club.
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