Manchester United has unveiled plans to recognise its legendary forward line which contained three European Footballers of the Year: George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. The Club has commissioned world famous sculptor Philip Jackson to create a statue featuring the three United legends.
The bronze statue, which will be life-size-and-a-half and will take around 18 months to complete, will allow fans and visitors to Old Trafford to pay tribute to the achievements of one of the great eras in the ClubÂ’s history. Philip Jackson was the artist who created the statue of Sir Matt Busby situated at the East Stand of Old Trafford.
The statue is the result of discussions which were accelerated by the untimely death of George Best in November 2005 and forms part of wider plans to allow the Club to recognise the many extraordinary contributions of great figures in its past.
Announcing the plans, Chief Executive David Gill said: "The Club has been looking at how to commemorate its great figures for some time. Too often, we feel we have to wait until our heroes have passed away to recognise their talent. So we are very excited that this statue - by one of the worldÂ’s most renowned sculptors - will honour the efforts not only of George Best, whose death came tragically early in his life, but also two of the game's finest forwards - Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.
"Manchester United is proud of its heritage and we believe that this statue will be evidence of that. The fact that it will be on Sir Matt Busby Way could not be more appropriate."
Philip Jackson said: "I was delighted to be commissioned to create a statue capable of commemorating the ClubÂ’s achievements in one of its most glorious eras. Having three European Footballers of the Year in the same forward line is a cause for celebration and represents the most iconic image of that time."