Sir Bob's champions challenge

By Pete Sanderson

Next generation
These days it is left to the likes of Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooij to try and replicate the sounds of Sir Bobby's golden era. But, for now at least, their achievements fall some way short of the high standards set by the gifted midfield player of the 1960s who won both FIFA World Cup and European Champion Clubs' Cup winners medals in a glittering career.

English contingent
Sir Bobby would like nothing more than the latest generation to follow in his footsteps. And he believes one of United's English contingent could easily match his double success next year. "I don't see why United can't win another European Cup – even two possibly - under Sir Alex [Ferguson]'s reign," Charlton told uefa.com.

'Psychic coach'
"We have done it before and I am convinced we will do it again, possibly even next year," he added. "It still baffles me when I hear people trying to predict the next United manager because, for me Sir Alex is still the best in the business and I can't even consider thinking how United would cope without him in charge. Some of the decisions he makes are almost psychic and the signing of [Wayne] Rooney was a masterstroke."

'Team player'
He added: "Next year could be a huge one for England too. Sven-Göran Eriksson has a squad more than capable of winning in Germany. But to win it I think they will need David Beckham at his best and a fully fit Rooney. Beckham's team play is essential as will be Rooney's creativity and goals. All you need then is a little bit of luck on the way like we got when England won in 1966 and anything is possible."

Lucky ground
Sir Bobby's duties lie in the director's box at Old Trafford – but his record as a player still stands firm against the best in the business. He remains England's highest ever scorer with 49 goals in 106 games, was player of the tournament as England won the 1966 World Cup and won the European Cup with his club, an honour which he still dedicates to the United players who died in the Munich air crash in 1958.

'Football destiny'
"We felt it was our destiny to win the European Cup after what had happened ten years before," said Sir Bobby, who was one of the lucky survivors of the crash in which eight of his team-mates were killed. "We said we would never be satisfied until we won the European Cup for them because, without any question, the team that died would have won it before we finally did in 1968.

'Incredible atmosphere'
"It was an incredible atmosphere that day," he said. "We actually felt sorry for our opponents [SL] Benfica because Wembley stadium was full of United fans. Even the neutrals supported us because of everything that had happened and when the final whistle went it was just magical."

'Greatest nights'
"There is nothing like the competition and I still feel the same about the Champions League today. European nights are the greatest nights of all." And Sir Bobby is in no doubt there will be plenty more of those at Old Trafford next season.