David Gaskell: Youngest ever Manchester United player dies aged 84
2025-01-25
Category: sports

David Gaskell, who holds the record of being Manchester United's youngest ever player, has died at the age of 84.Former goalkeeper Gaskell made his debut for United at the age of just 16 years and 19 days against Manchester City in October 1956.He spent 11 seasons at United after being promoted to the senior squad by Matt Busby and won two league titles with the club.Gaskell also played in the 1963 FA Cup final, helping United beat Leicester City at Wembley.A statement from his family on the club website read: "Dave Gaskell leaves behind not just a remarkable sporting legacy, but an enduring example of kindness, dedication, and humility. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him."
His debut as a teenager came during the 1956 Charity Shield in remarkable circumstances, as Gaskell - United's fifth choice keeper at the time - had initially attended the match at Maine Road as a spectator.Starting goalkeeper Ray Wood was injured during the match, and Gaskell was pulled from the crowd and given a team-mate's boots in order to play.United won the game 1-0 and Gaskell was named man of the match.Gaskell left United for Wigan Athletic in 1968 and joined Wrexham in 1969, finishing his career playing for clubs in South Africa and Kuwait.He spent the later years of his life living in Wrexham with his family, was married to his wife Barbara for 68 years, and had three children and four grandchildren.