Man Utd People

It is with sadness that Manchester United announced the death of Albert Scanlon. He was 74.

Albert Scanlon, who died on 22 December, 2009, was a member of the ' Busby Babes' Manchester United and a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster .

He suffered a fractured skull and a severe kidney injury in the devastating plane crash in 1958, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight of his team mates.

Yet the following season he featured in all 42 league matches, scoring 16 goals as United finished runners-up in the league - even with their depleted squad.

Albert Joseph Scanlon was born on 10 October, 1935, in Hulme, Lancashire. He worked his way through the renowned Manchester United youth system and made his debut in 1954.

He helped the club win two league titles (1956 and 1957) before the tragic plane crash. It was a twist of fate that at the time, the 22-year-old outside forward was due to transfer to Arsenal, but his injuries and United’s depleted squad saw him remain at Old Trafford for another two years.

After 127 appearances and 35 goals for the Reds, he moved to Newcastle United in 1960, then went on to spells with Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and Newport County before retiring in 1966.

Manchester United team mate and friend Wilf McGuinness offered his tribute following Mr Scanlon’s passing at Salford Royal Hospital: “Albert’s main asset was his pace. He really did have blistering speed and once he got a yard on his marker he was impossible to catch.

“It was astonishing that he played so many games after the Munich Disaster following the injuries he sustained. And he played very well in that season. Everybody talks about United getting to the FA Cup final that season, but what was even more incredible was that we finished runners-up.”

Source: lastingtribute.com

I updated this, as a little more information was available on a different website.

The line up beyond the Pearly Gates is growing in strength.

It would seem that Albert had been ill for some time. I would like to pass on my condolences and those of ManUtdPeople to the family and friends.

r.i.p another utd legend gone and may he rest in peace

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to former United player Albert Scanlon, who has died at the age of 74.

Born in Hulme on 10 October 1935, Scanlon came through the United youth system and made his debut for Matt Busby's first team in 1954, at the tender age of 19 – hence his inclusion in the group of players known as the 'Busby Babes'.

Outside forward Scanlon survived the Munich disaster in 1958 and went on to feature in all 42 league games for the Reds the following season.

Sir Alex said: "I have known Albert since I came to Manchester United and he was always a pleasant and delightful man. He was always cheery and never lost his sense of humour despite the experience he had, and to come through that shows his strength of character.

"He will be a great loss, as he was a popular man, and our condolences go to his family."

A title winner in 1956 and 1957, Scanlon was on the ill-fated flight from Belgrade to Manchester following a European Cup match in February 1958.

When the plane crashed after refuelling in Munich, Scanlon was among the survivors while eight of his team-mates and 15 other passengers and crew lost their lives.

Fellow survivor Sir Bobby Charlton was extremely saddened to hear of the death of his former team-mate, adding: “It was with enormous sadness that I received the news of Albert's passing.

Source: manutd.com

R.I.P. United Legend

R.I.P

The final whistle blows for yet another of the 'Busby Babes' RIP Albert, you done us proud.
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R.I.P