Manchester United's youngest ever player David Gaskell dies aged 84 as club pay tribute

David Gaskell, who was Manchester United's youngest ever player, has passed away at the age of 84 - the goalkeeper made his debut for the Red Devils at the age of 16

Simon Hamalienko Senior Content Editor (Live) and Mark Jones Sports Features Editor

08:18, 25 Jan 2025

Former Manchester United Goalkeeper David Gaskell has died(Image: Mirrorpix)

Manchester United has paid tribute to its former goalkeeper David Gaskell, who has passed away at 84. In a statement released on Friday evening (January 24), the club announced the sad news of Gaskell's passing.

At just 16 years and 19 days old, Gaskell made history as the club's youngest-ever player when he made an emergency debut in the 1956 Charity Shield match against Manchester City, replacing injured goalkeeper Ray Wood. Gaskell went on to make 96 appearances for United.

‌

The club's statement read: "Dave was devoted to his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. He was a proud father to his three daughters, Michelle, Lesley, and Nicola, and a loving grandfather to Joel, Emily, Eleanor, Ted, and Edith. His family was his greatest joy, and his legacy will live on through them."

Manchester United battled their way back to Wembley for a 3-1triumph over Leicester City in the FA Cup Final. Here the reds first team squad line up for the camera back row left to reight : maurice Setters, Jimmy Nicholson, David Gaskell, Shay Brennan, Mark Pearson, Noel Cantwell. Middle row: Bill Foulkes, Sammy McMillan, Tony Dunne, Nobby Stiles, Nobby Lawton,. Front row: Johnny Giles, Albert Quixall, David Herd, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton circa 27th May 1963

Manchester United squad in 1963 featuring the likes of David Gaskell, Nobby Stiles, Johnny Giles, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton(Image: Mirrorpix)

It continued: "In these past few weeks of illness, Dave was surrounded by the love and support of the many friends he made throughout his life-friends who, like so many in Wrexham and beyond, will miss him dearly."

‌

The statement concluded: "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.",

According to the club, Gaskell's unexpected rise to club history "could have been written for Roy of the Rovers" reports the Mirror. On the day of his historic debut, he had initially attended the Charity Shield match against City at Maine Road after completing his work on the Old Trafford ground staff.

Manchester United goalkeeper David Gaskell saves a shot from Everton's Dennis Stevens in 1963(Image: Mirrorpix)

‌

The club statement revealed a remarkable tale: "An early injury to starting stopper Ray Wood left United down to 10 men, until coach Bert Whalley grabbed Gaskell from the crowd, pulled together some kit, picked up a spare pair of team-mate Colin Webster's boots and threw the teenager back onto the field in Wood's stead."

It continued: "Gaskell went on to turn in a man-of-the-match performance, keeping a clean sheet as the Reds won 1-0 – although his appearance had been so unorthodox that most onlookers didn't realise Wood had been substituted! "

It wrapped up with Gaskell's legacy, detailing how he would spend the next 11 seasons at United under the wing of the legendary Sir Matt Busby, later playing a crucial role in staving off relegation and winning the FA Cup in the 1962-63 season.

Article continues below

After he left the club in 1969 he would go on to have spells at Wrexham as well as with clubs in South Africa and Kuwait.