Jeff Whitefoot dies aged 90 as tributes paid to Man Utd icon and last-surviving Busby Babe

Manchester United have paid an emotional tribute to former Busby Babe Jeff Whitefoot who has died at the age of 90.

A statement from the Red Devils on Tuesday read: "Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Whitefoot, a former Busby Babe, who has passed away at the age of 90."

Whitefoot was a member of two title-winning sides during his time with Man United. He played under the great Matt Busby, winning the league in 1952 and 1956.

Whitefoot broke a number of records during his time with the club. He became the youngest ever player to start a league game for the Red Devils in April at just 16 years and 105 days old.

The former wing-half was widely known as the 'last of the Busby Babes'. Whitefoot made just under 100 appearances for the club before leaving for Grimsby Town after falling out of favour at Old Trafford. He returned to the First Division with a move to Nottingham Forest.

He won the FA Cup with the Midlands club, who have also paid their own tribute. A statement shared on social media read: "Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Whitefoot, at the age of 90. Jeff spent nine years at The City Ground between 1958 and 1967, and was the last surviving member of the side which famously lifted the FA Cup in 1959. Our thoughts are with Jeff’s family, friends and all who knew him."

Whitefoot made over 250 appearances for Forest before his retirement from football in 1967. He eventually went on to run a bookies, greengrocer's and a pub in Leicestershire. Whitefoot also made an appearance for the England under-23 side during his playing career.

Jeff Whitefoot

Opening up in his time at Old Trafford with Lincs Online last year, he told: ““It was a really good atmosphere to be in because we were all young men. There were a lot of really good young lads all starting there. It was a nice time.”

Speaking about his legendary former manager, Whitefoot added: "Matt Busby was very quiet, but he could be very nasty. In training on Monday if we hadn’t done very well on Saturday he would come up alongside you and say ‘well how did you think you played?’. You’d say ‘alright boss’ and then he started!”

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