Former Manchester United goalkeeper David Gaskell has passed away at age 84.
The club announced on X, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David Gaskell, our youngest-ever debutant and former goalkeeper. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of David Gaskell, our youngest-ever debutant and former goalkeeper.
We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 24, 2025
The Red Devils have already said goodbye to legend Denis Law this month.
Gaskell is important to United’s storied history as he was the club’s youngest-ever debutant.
On 24 October 1956, at Maine Road, the keeper made his first senior appearance at only 16 years and 19 days old.
The story was an incredible one as he was the club’s fifth-choice goalkeeper but had come to the game as a spectator.
Nonetheless, an injury to United’s usual keeper Ray Wood meant he was asked to run onto the pitch and fill in between the sticks.
“Gaskell went on to turn in a man-of-the-match performance, keeping a clean sheet as the Reds won 1-0.”
His family released a statement reading, “Dave Gaskell leaves behind not just a remarkable sporting legacy, but an enduring example of kindness, dedication, and humility.
“He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The former keeper would spend 12 years at the club, leaving in 1968.
The Orrell native had to battle with legendary keepers Harry Gregg and Alex Stepney but he did manage to play 96 times for the Red Devils, winning 2 league titles, an FA Cup and the Charity Shield.
The highlight of the keeper’s career would certainly have been his stunning performance in the 1963 FA Cup with his performance against Leicester City described as “flawless” as United won 3-1.
He would play one season at Wigan Athletic before representing Wrexham 95 times. He hung up his boots in 1974 after a brief spell in South Africa.
Feature image Evening Standard via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
