Sir Bobby Charlton leads Dunne tributes
Tony Dunne's former Manchester United team-mates have paid tribute to the Irishman, after his death at the age of 78 was sadly announced on Monday evening.
The left-back was a loyal servant to the club for 13 years and was an ever-present in the team that won the European Cup in 1968 – the first English side ever to do so.
He will always be remembered fondly for his performances on the pitch and personality off it.
“I'm deeply saddened by the death of Tony and send my sincere condolences to his loved ones,” said Sir Bobby Charlton.
“Tony will always be remembered as a crucial pillar of our first European Cup-winning team, with his lightning speed and brilliant reading of the game.
“I was privileged to be his team-mate and his friend.”
Former goalkeeper Alex Stepney described Tony as a “class act” , while winger Willie Morgan, who also played with Dunne at Bolton Wanderers, said: “It was a privilege to know him and to play with him.”
Very sad to hear that my good friend and Utd fullback Tony Dunne has passed away. My love to all the family. Tony was a class act. RIP.
— Alex Stepney (@AlexStepney1) June 8, 2020
Stepney later told the MUTV Group Chat: “He was unbelievable. He was a true, honest defender – someone that didn't stand out a lot but was such an extra cog in the wheel. He was a player who always wanted the ball, always kept it simple, and always tried to start an attack from defence. When Jack Crompton, the trainer, came in and put the team sheet up, you knew that Tony Dunne was going to be on it.”
Brian Kidd, one of the scorers in the 1968 final against Benfica, told The Mirror: “We didn't know much about world football in those days but anyone in that era would say he was the best left-back in Europe, without doubt. He was so modest and had a lot of empathy and he epitomised everything that Sir Matt [Busby] wanted in a player – humility and modesty. He just got on with it.”