Law (left), Best (right) and Charlton are to be honoured by the club

Best's death last year led to calls for some recognition of his achievements at Old Trafford - and the club have decided to honour the legendary trio.

"The club has been looking at how to commemorate its great figures for some time," said chief executive David Gill.

"Too often, we feel we have to wait until our heroes have passed away to recognise their talent."

World famous sculptor Philip Jackson has been chosen to create the statue, which will take 18 months.

Gill added: "We are very excited that this statue 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 it will be on Sir Matt Busby Way could not be more appropriate."

The only statue in the vicinity of the ground is that of Busby, although a clock is also attached to the East Stand in honour of the victims of the Munich air tragedy in 1958.

Best, Law and Charlton were a major part of United's success during the 1960s - during which time they won two league titles and the European Cup in 1968 - the first English club to win the trophy.