Legendary former Man United defender dies aged 78

Former Manchester United European Cup Winner Tony Dunne [COURTESY]

Former Manchester United European Cup Winner Tony Dunne has died aged 78.

The Republic of Ireland full-back was a member of Sir Matt Busby's 1968 European Cup side who became the first English team to win the trophy, beating Benfica 4-1 at Wembley.

Dublin born Dunne joined United from Irish side Shelbourne for £5,000 in 1960 and helped shaped United's future in the years after the Munich air disaster of 1958.

A brave, speedy defender Dunne was originally signed as cover for Noel Cantwell and Shay Brennan and his career took off after appearing in the 1963 FA Cup Final win over Leicester City at Wembley.

The Irish international also helped United win the League title in 1965 and 1967 before his crowning glory as a member of the victorious 1968 European Cup winning side who achieved immortality at Old Trafford.

Dunne won 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland - captaining his country on four occasions in a 13-year international career following his debut against Austria in 1962 - and was Irish Footballer of the Year in 1969.

He will be remembered as one of United's greatest full backs.

Dunne scored just two goals in his 535 games for United, a tally of appearances bettered by only Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton, Bill Foulkes, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and Alex Stepney.

He left for Bolton Wanderes in 1973, helping the Trotters to the second division title in 1978 under the managership of former United player Ian Greaves.

Dunne joined Detroit Express in the North American Soccer League in the twilight of his playing career.

He would return to Bolton as assistant manager in 1979 after hanging up his boots, before replacing Foulkes as manager of Norwegian side Steinkjer FK in 1982.