Man Utd star who ‘thrived beneath stress’ dies as tributes pour in for hero
Former Manchester United winger Tony Young has died at the age of 71.
Young, who spent seven years at the club as a professional from 1969 to 1976, made 97 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring one goal.
He was born close to Old Trafford in Urmston, Manchester and was part of the squad which won promotion to the First Division under boss Tommy Docherty in 1974.
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Capable of playing at either right-wing or right-back, Young joined the club in 1968 and broke into the first team properly in the 1972/73 season when he played 34 times.
And it was the following campaign which saw him become part of the promotion-winning squad, and net his only United goal against Chelsea. Young left the club for Charlton in 1976 and soon moved to York City, where he finished his playing career.
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
In tribute, Sammy McIlroy, who played alongside Young, 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.”
United added: “Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
