23 Dec 2009

Survivor of Manchester United's 1958 Munich air disaster dies

6:06 pm on 23 December 2009

The former Manchester United player Albert Scanlon, who was one of the survivors of the Munich air disaster, has died at the age of 74.

Scanlon, who was one of the Busby Babes who earnt their nickname after coming through the youth system to play for the first team under manager Matt Busby, made his debut for United in 1954.

Eight of his teammates and three officials were killed when their plane crashed in a blizzard at Munich airport in 1958 following a European Cup match.

Scanlon suffered a broken leg and fractured skull in the crash, but recovered to play again the following season.

Scanlon left Old Trafford in 1960 ending a six-year association with the club, that included 127 senior appearances and 35 goals.

His departure was followed by spells at Newcastle, Mansfield and Lincoln.