United saddened by the loss of Tony Young

Born in Urmston, just a few miles from Old Trafford, he joined the club in July 1968 after featuring with Manchester and Lancashire Schools.

Young became a professional a year later and made his senior debut against West Ham United in August 1970, aged 17, making him graduate number 82 of 251 so far.

Capable of playing at right-back or right-wing, Young made 97 appearances for the club and truly broke into the first team during the 1972/73 season, when he played 34 times.

In the 1974/75 campaign, Tony was part of Tommy Docherty’s squad that won promotion back to the First Division.

Young eventually left the club for Charlton Athletic in 1976.

He went on to represent York City, where he linked up with former Reds manager Wilf McGuinness.

In tribute, Sammy McIlroy said: “It’s terribly sad to hear of his passing. I remember Tony had a massive reputation as a winger when he first joined the club, and unlike some, he seemed to thrive under the pressure. He was a proper Manchester lad – hard! He trained the way he played as well.

“Tony was a quiet personality, really. He broke in as a right-winger but showed his versatility and team ethic when he played a few games at right-back. Tony was the sort of character every group of players need, and the sort of willing player every manager loves.”

Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.