Tony Young dead at 71: Man United pay heartwarming tribute to former star who was ‘a proper Manchester lad’

Former Manchester United player Terrence Young has passed away at the age of 71, the club have confirmed. 

Young, affectionately known as Tony, made 97 appearances for the Red Devils between 1969 and 1976, and was a key figure in the team that earned promotion back to the first division in 1973-74. 

In that season, under Tommy Docherty, Young played 32 times and scored one goal, which came against Chelsea.  

A right back by trade, he could also feature at right wing, and also had spells with Charlton Athletic and York City after leaving United. 

As part of their own tribute to their former star, United wrote: ‘Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

Young was born in Urmiston, within five miles of Old Trafford and about two-and-a-half miles from Carrington. 

Former United team-mate Sammy McIlroy (pictured) paid tribute to ‘a proper Manchester lad’

After joining the club in 1968, he went on to make his debut aged 17 in August 1970 a year after becoming a professional, and earned himself graduate No 82 out of 251.  

His former team-mate of five years, Sammy McIlroy led the tributes to a man he described as a ‘proper Manchester lad’.

‘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.’

The announcement from United on social media was greeted with a swathe of condolences, with many fans adding their wishes for young to ‘Rest In Peace’.