World soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton hopes Manchester United to play in the English F.A. Cup this season.

Charlton, one of United's greatest players and now a club director, said on Tuesday he would be speaking to fellow board members ahead of an F.A. deadline next Monday for United to make up their minds.

Charlton told BBC Radio 5: "We have a responsibiity to the history of the game."

He indicated he would like United to play in both the F.A.Cup and next January's inaugural world club championship in Brazil.

In July, Charlton described the new tournament as "a unique opportunity that the club would be foolish to miss".

But he also expressed his sadness that United were unlikely to defend the trophy they won last season as part of a unique treble.

United accepted in principle an invitation to play in the club championship in June. The English F.A. offered them an exemption from the domestic competition because of the club's congested fixture list.