Alex Dawson death: Former Manchester United player and ‘Busby Babe’ dies aged 80

Scot scored 45 goals in 80 appearances for the Red Devils

Former Manchester United forward Alex Dawson (Manchester United via Twitter)

Former Manchester United player Alex Dawson has died at the age of 80.

The Premier League club announced the news on Friday.

Dawson started his footballing career at United, whom he represented from 1957 to 1961.

In his time at the club, all of which was spent under manager Sir Matt Busby, the Scottish forward made 80 appearances and scored 45 goals.

Along with a number of other players who were given their first-team debuts at United by Busby, Dawson was known as a ‘Busby Babe’.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of former United forward and Busby Babe, Alex Dawson, who has sadly passed away at the age of 80,” a United statement read.

“He will be fondly remembered by all of us at the club. May he rest in peace.”

Following his stint at United, Dawson played for Preston North End, for whom he scored 114 goals in 197 games over a six-year stretch.

Dawson later played for Bury, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, and Corby Town – where he ended his playing career in 1973.