Ex-Manchester United player and Munich survivor Albert Scanlon dies aged 74

Published: 23 Dec 2009 - 08:39:54

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Ex-Manchester United player and Munich survivor Albert Scanlon dies aged 74

Scanlon, who was one of the 'Busby Babes' earning their nickname for being trained up through the youth system to playing for the first team under manager Matt Busby, made his debut for United in 1954 aged 19 and had reportedly been unwell for some time. Eight of his teammates and three officials were killed when their plane crashed in a blizzard at Munich airport in 1958 following a European Cup match. Scanlon suffered a broken leg and fractured skull in the crash, but recovered to play again in the 1958/59 season, scoring 16 goals to help United finish runners-up in the league. Scanlon left Old Trafford in 1960 ending a six-year association with the club, that included 127 senior appearances and 35 goals, United said. His departure was followed by spells at Newcastle, Mansfield and Lincoln. "Manchester United is sad to report the death of former player Albert Scanlon," the club said on its website. "Everyone at Manchester United sends deepest condolences to Albert's family and friends."