Albert Scanlon, who died on 22 December, 2009, was a member of the ' Busby Babes' Manchester United and a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster .

He suffered a fractured skull and a severe kidney injury in the devastating plane crash in 1958, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight of his team mates.

Yet the following season he featured in all 42 league matches, scoring 16 goals as United finished runners-up in the league - even with their depleted squad.

Albert Joseph Scanlon was born on 10 October, 1935, in Hulme, Lancashire. He worked his way through the renowned Manchester United youth system and made his debut in 1954.

He helped the club win two league titles (1956 and 1957) before the tragic plane crash. It was a twist of fate that at the time, the 22-year-old outside forward was due to transfer to Arsenal, but his injuries and United’s depleted squad saw him remain at Old Trafford for another two years.

After 127 appearances and 35 goals for the Reds, he moved to Newcastle United in 1960, then went on to spells with Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and Newport County before retiring in 1966.

Manchester United team mate and friend Wilf McGuinness offered his tribute following Mr Scanlon’s passing at Salford Royal Hospital: “Albert’s main asset was his pace. He really did have blistering speed and once he got a yard on his marker he was impossible to catch.

“It was astonishing that he played so many games after the Munich Disaster following the injuries he sustained. And he played very well in that season. Everybody talks about United getting to the FA Cup final that season, but what was even more incredible was that we finished runners-up.”