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Chelsea legend Ron 'Chopper' Harris pays tribute to Nobby Stiles and claims England's World Cup winner would have been the 'first name on the Manchester United teamsheet'

Legendary Chelsea hardman Ron 'Chopper' Harris believes Nobby Stiles would have been the first name on Manchester United's star-studded teamsheet.

Harris often clashed with the World Cup-winning former England midfielder, who passed away on Friday aged 78 after a long illness, during battles between Chelsea and United in the 1960s.

United won the European Cup under Sir Matt Busby when beating Benfica 4-1 at Wembley in 1968, two years after Stiles helped England to World Cup final glory at the national stadium.

Ron Harris (above) believes Nobby Stiles would have been a regular starter for Man United

Ron Harris (above) believes Nobby Stiles would have been a regular starter for Man United

Although Busby's side was famed for the mercurial talents of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best, Stiles' defensive midfield prowess made him indispensable for club and country.