Sir Bobby Charlton died after an accidental fall at a care home, an inquest has heard.

The England and Manchester United legend died aged 86 in Macclesfield General Hospital on 21 October.

The inquest at Cheshire Coroner's Court heard Sir Bobby was living in The Willows in Knutsford, a nursing home caring for patients with dementia.

Senior coroner for Cheshire Jacqueline Devonish concluded his death was accidental.

The document states: “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.”

The hearing was told Sir Bobby had lost his balance as he stood up from his chair, striking a window sill and "possibly a radiator".

Staff performed a full-body check at the time and noted no visible injuries, and recorded his mobility seemed unaffected.

But they later noticed swelling on his back and paramedics were called to the centre, where he had been receiving respite care since July.

He was then taken to a local hospital before being moved to Macclesfield General Hospital.

A chest X-ray and CT scan revealed he had fractured his ribs and was likely to develop pneumonia, the inquest heard.

Doctors then agreed Sir Bobby should be put on end-of-life care, dying five days later.

The inquest heard he had an extensive medical history and had also contracted Covid in September.

Care home manager Tamara Simmons, said Sir Bobby "needed support with all aspects of daily living".

The coroner gave the cause of death as trauma in the lungs, a fall and dementia.

Manchester United have confirmed that a memorial service celebrating Sir Bobby’s life will take place at Manchester Cathedral at 2pm on Monday November 13.

"one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced"

The procession to the service will pass by Old Trafford, where he is immortalised alongside Denis Law and George Best in the United Trinity statue.

United said in a statement: “The service will pay tribute to Sir Bobby’s incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced.

“The procession to the cathedral will pass by Old Trafford for a moment of reflection and provide an opportunity for fans to say a final farewell to a true Manchester United legend.

“Further details on the memorial service and the procession will be communicated in due course.

“The family will then hold a private funeral ceremony for Sir Bobby and have requested privacy around the arrangements for this.”