Busby Babe has died aged 72

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Former Manchester United front man John Doherty has died aged 72.

The Mancunian marksman came through the ranks at Old Trafford alongside Duncan Edwards and Bobby Charlton, making his debut for United in December 1952.

He went on to score seven goals in 26 appearances for The Red Devils, helping the club to its first league title in 1955-56.

A knee injury cut him down in his prime though, and he was sold to Leicester City shortly before the Munich air disaster.

Despite the move he remained an avid United fan and went on to become a chairman of the Association of Former Manchester United Players.

Respect

Club great Paddy Crerand has paid tribute to his close friend.

"I am absolutely devastated," Crerand told the club's official website. "It's hard to take. He was a great, great lad and such a big fan of United."

"He was always at the games at Old Trafford and obviously had the history of playing for the club as a Busby Babe.

"One of the great things about him was the work he did for the former players. He was absolutely fantastic with his work for the old boys."

United chief executive David Gill echoed Crerand's sentiments: "It was a special moment for him to bring on the Premier League trophy at the end of last season with his friends from the Busby Babes' first title-winning team in 1956; a role he performed with great pride and dignity.

"Our thoughts are with his family."

United face Bolton Wanderers next in the Premier League on November 24 and are sure to wear black armbands as a mark of respect.