Manchester United have announced that the South Stand at Old Trafford will be renamed after one of the club's iconic players Sir Bobby Charlton.

The new 'Sir Bobby Charlton Stand' will be unveiled at the Premier League match against Everton on April 2, when 75,000 fans are expected to be in attendance.

Charlton, who will welcome a number of "key figures" at the unveiling, made 758 appearances and scored a record 249 goals during his playing years at the club.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told the club's official website: "Bobby is quite simply the most iconic figure in English football history. A player, a diplomat, a gentleman and a tireless worker for charity, he represents everything that is good about football and Manchester United.

"It has been a privilege to know him and humbling to work alongside him for the last 10 years. Renaming the South Stand, which contains both the directors' box and the old players' changing rooms, is a fitting tribute to all that Bobby has contributed to the club both as a player and a director."

Charlton added: "This is a great honour and I am very proud – for myself and my family – that the club has chosen to name the South Stand after me. Manchester United has been such an important part of my life and I have so many wonderful memories of this Theatre of Dreams. As a player, I remember the goals and the marvellous players I played with. As a director, I have seen some outstanding matches and players. It is a special place indeed.

"I would like to thank everyone connected with Manchester United. So many people work so hard to keep us at the top - their effort should never be forgotten. But most of all, I would like to thank Norma, my wonderful wife, and my family for the support and encouragement they have always provided. This is for them."

The South Stand contains the only original section of the 1910 stadium.