Albert Scanlon

Albert Joseph Scanlon (10 October 1935 – 22 December 2009) was an English footballer who played as an outside left. He began his career with Manchester United and was one of the "Busby Babes" who survived the Munich air disaster of 1958. Although he sustained severe injuries, he recovered and continued to play league football for Newcastle United, Lincoln City and Mansfield Town. He then went on to play non-league football until his retirement.

Early life Scanlon (front row, third from left) in a Manchester United team photo in 1957. Scanlon ― standing row, 2nd from right ― team photo in 1960. Born in Hulme, Manchester, Scanlon was a nephew of former Manchester United winger Charlie Mitten. His talent for football was noticed early on, and he was selected to play for the Manchester Boys side. He joined the Manchester United groundstaff in 1950, before signing a professional contract in December 1952.

In 2006, Scanlon complained about several "inaccuracies" in an episode of Surviving Disaster focussing on the Munich air disaster, despite being consulted by the production company.

On 13 May 2007, Scanlon presented the Premier League trophy to Manchester United along with former teammate Bill Foulkes.

He attended United's victorious Champions League final appearance in May 2008 in Moscow, being flown to the game in Russia on a private jet hired by United, along with fellow Munich survivors Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg. Bill Foulkes, the other remaining survivor, attended the game as well.

Scanlon was admitted to the Salford Royal Hospital with kidney problems and pneumonia on 21 October 2009. He was in intensive care for more than a month, and died on 22 December 2009, aged 74. His funeral was held on 13 January 2010, and more than 300 people attended the service at All Souls' Church in Weaste, including fellow Munich survivors Bobby Charlton, Harry Gregg and Bill Foulkes, and former Manchester United players Denis Law and Nobby Stiles.