Martin Tyler has paid tribute to Australian cricket legend Richie Benaud following his passing late last week.

The former Australian captain and legendary commentator died, aged 84, in his Sydney home on Friday which prompted plenty of messages of praise from the sporting world.

One of those was from football pundit Tyler who spoke highly of Benaud following Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

"I would like to say on behalf of the commentary fraternity, how much we have felt the loss of Richie Benaud over the past 48 hours," Tyler told Sky Sports.

"Commentary is a search for perfection that none of us can ever achieve, that's the nature of the job really. But if anyone got close to it, it was Richie Benaud.

"He was a great inspiration. I know I speak for all commentators - and I know it's a different game - but the principles are the same and he met all the principles.

"I met him a few times and he was a wonderful man as well. A man of great humility and generosity to other commentators. He will be sadly missed."