Man Utd mourn death of ex-academy graduate Tony Young aged 71

The Red Devils mourned the death of their former player, who has died at the age of 71. Born in Urmston, Manchester, Young joined the club's academy as a teenager in 1968 before making his debut during the 1972-73 season. He made 97 appearances for the club before leaving United for Charlton Athletic in 1976. He was an integral part of the United squad that gained promotion back to the first division in the 1973-74 campaign.

Young, who predominantly played as a right-back, also plied his trade with Charlton Athletic and York City later in his career. Mourning the player's death, United released a statement that read: "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 at this difficult time."

Leading the tributes, United legend Sammy McIlroy 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."

Ruben Amorim's side are set to lock horns against Arsenal on Wednesday night at Emirates Stadium before meeting Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday.