Former Man United and Liverpool star Phil Chisnall dies aged 78

The Manchester United club logo is seen on a corner flag on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of the FA Cup fourth round replay soccer match against Cambridge United at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, February 3, 2015. [REUTERS/Phil Noble]

Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Phil Chisnall has sadly passed away aged 78.

The Manchester-born inside forward began his career at United before spells at Liverpool, Southend United and Stockport County.

A statement from Liverpool FC read: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Phil Chisnall.

"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Phil’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

"Rest in peace, Phil Chisnall 1942-2021."

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Phil Chisnall.

The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Phil’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

Rest in peace, Phil Chisnall 1942-2021. — Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 4, 2021

United paid tribute to their former player on their website, hailing him as "one of the most promising young talents of his time".

Their obituary added: " Manchester United extends its condolences to Phil’s family and friends at this sad time."

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Watford - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 27, 2019 General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match [REUTERS/Russell Cheyne]

The "precociously gifted" Chisnall was handed his senior debut for United by legendary manager Matt Busby in a match against Everton in 1961.

His first goal soon followed in a 2-0 win over neighbours Manchester City in the local derby.

Chisnall was in and out of the United side but finally managed to hold down a regular role for the 1963/64 season, eventually scoring a total of 10 goals in 47 appearances for the club

He remains the last player to be transferred directly between the two rivals, following his switch from Old Trafford to Anfield for £25,000 in 1964.

At the time of his signing, then-Liverpool boss Bill Shankly said: "Phil can do unusual things with the ball, he might be something special."

He went on the make just nine appearances for the Merseyside club, before a four-year spell at Southend, where he flourished, followed by a season's stint at Stockport.

After his playing career Chisnall returned to Manchester and ran two betting shops before working as a plant operator and in a bakery.