Former Busby Babe John Doherty has sadly died aged 72, the club has confirmed.
Doherty, a member of United's first championship-winning side in 1955/56, made his Reds debut in December 1952 in a 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. He went on to make 26 appearances, scoring seven goals.
He remained a loyal United supporter and in recent years he was an influential figure as chairman of the Association of Former Manchester United Players.
Paddy Crerand, a close friend of Doherty, said: "I am absolutely devastated. It's hard to take. He was a great, great lad and such a big fan of United.
"He was always at the games at Old Trafford and obviously had the history of playing for the club as a Busby Babe. One of the great things about him was the work he did for the former players. He was absolutely fantastic with his work for the old boys."
United chief executive David Gill echoed Crerand's comments, adding: "John was a tireless leader of the Association of Former Players and a much-loved and popular figure around Old Trafford. His work with the former players saw the group go from strength to strength.
"His quick wit and easy manner will be greatly missed. It was a special moment for him to bring on the Premier League trophy at the end of last season with his friends from the Busby Babes' first title-winning team in 1956; a role he performed with great pride and dignity. Our thoughts are with his family."
www.manutd.com
Doherty, a member of United's first championship-winning side in 1955/56, made his Reds debut in December 1952 in a 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. He went on to make 26 appearances, scoring seven goals.
He remained a loyal United supporter and in recent years he was an influential figure as chairman of the Association of Former Manchester United Players.
Paddy Crerand, a close friend of Doherty, said: "I am absolutely devastated. It's hard to take. He was a great, great lad and such a big fan of United.
"He was always at the games at Old Trafford and obviously had the history of playing for the club as a Busby Babe. One of the great things about him was the work he did for the former players. He was absolutely fantastic with his work for the old boys."
United chief executive David Gill echoed Crerand's comments, adding: "John was a tireless leader of the Association of Former Players and a much-loved and popular figure around Old Trafford. His work with the former players saw the group go from strength to strength.
"His quick wit and easy manner will be greatly missed. It was a special moment for him to bring on the Premier League trophy at the end of last season with his friends from the Busby Babes' first title-winning team in 1956; a role he performed with great pride and dignity. Our thoughts are with his family."
www.manutd.com
