“A proper Manchester lad”: United community mourn loss of Busby Babe

Former Manchester United fullback Terrence “Tony” Young has died at the age of 71.

Young was born just a few miles from Old Trafford in Urmston and played for the club between 1969-1976, making 97 appearances.

He joined the club as an academy member in July 1968 and made his senior debut versus West Ham in 1970 at just 17 years of age.

The defender was the 82nd academy graduate to successfully make it from the youth team to a place in the first team.

Young was a fullback capable of playing on either side and played a crucial role in the club’s promotion back to the First Division in the 1974/1975 season.

He would leave for Charlton Athletic in 1976 and would then go on to represent York City, calling an end to his career in 1978.

An official statement from the club’s website read that “Manchester United is saddened by the news” of his death and that “our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Manchester United is saddened by the news that our former player Terrence ‘Tony’ Young has passed away, aged 71.

Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends ❤️

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024

Former teammate Sammy McIlroy penned an emotional tribute to his former teammate than can be seen on the club’s website.

McIlroy joined United in 1969 and spent 13 years at the club, sharing seven seasons with Young.

He wrote, “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.”

The former Northern Ireland international went on to describe Young as the type of character every team needs and the sort that every manager wants to coach.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Latest Top Stories…