Man Utd’s youngest ever player Gaskell dies aged 84

David Gaskell, who holds the record of being Manchester United’s youngest ever player, has died at the age of 84.

In October 1956, Gaskell, a former United goalkeeper, made his debut against Manchester City at the age of just 16 years and 19 days.

After being promoted to the senior squad by Matt Busby, he spent 11 seasons with United, where he won two league titles.

Gaskell also played in the 1963 FA Cup final, helping United beat Leicester City at Wembley.

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.

When the starting goalkeeper Ray Wood got hurt during the game, Gaskell was taken off the field and given team-topping boots.

Gaskell was named man of the match after United won the game with a 1-0 lead.

Gaskell ended his career playing for clubs in South Africa and Kuwait before moving to Wigan Athletic in 1968.