Manchester United stars pay tribute to Pele following death at 82

Manchester United players have moved to pay tribute to Pele - one of the best footballers of all time - following his death at the age of 82.

The Brazilian icon, famous for scoring over 1,000 goals in his magical career and being the only player to ever win three World Cup trophies, was admitted to Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo due to “general swelling” following several battles with cancer in recent years. It was revealed in December that his cancer had progressed and needed "greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions".

Pele’s passing was confirmed to the Associated Press by his agent this evening. A post on Pele's official Instagram account read: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.

"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.

"Love, love and love, forever."

Unsurprisingly, tributes have flooded in on social media as the football world and beyond rush to honour the legendary Pele. United star Marcus Rashford was the first to pay his respects and he was soon followed by fellow Brazilian Fred who wrote a touching tribute.

Translated from Portuguese it reads: " Much more than a football idol. Simply the greatest athlete of all time. Maximum reference for all generations. May God receive you in peace, King!"

His national and club teammate Casemiro wrote: "Rest in peace, King Pelé. Thank you for the glory you gave Brazil and football. His legacy is eternal."

United's third Brazilian, Antony, added: "The greatest of them all! The King, inspiration, example, the only, the ETERNAL!! "

United legend Gary Neville posted a photograph of himself alongside Pele and wrote: " Rest in Peace the legend Pele. What a Smile."

Captain Harry Maguire tweeted: "Rest in peace Pele, one of the greatest ever. What a role model on and off the pitch. Winner of 3 World Cups, unbelievable."

United's official Twitter account posted: "Rest in peace, Pele. Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world."

Wayne Rooney wrote "Rest in peace Legend," accompanied by a photograph of Pele handing him an award. Rio Ferdinand shared two photos with Pele and wrote: £The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone! I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him - equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon. Pele."