Tributes have been made to former Manchester United defender John Fitzpatrick, who has died aged 74.
Fitzpatrick was a teammate of George Best in United’s 1964 Youth Cup winning side and scored 10 goals during his time in the first-team.
He also made history after becoming the first substitute ever used by the club in a league game.
Fitzpatrick replaced Denis Law in a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in October 1965.
An official club statement read: “Manchester United would like to send condolences to the family and friends of John Fitzpatrick, who has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
“The Scotsman will always be part of the club’s history after becoming the first substitute used by the club in a league match, replacing Denis Law during a defeat to Tottenham in October, 1965.”
Fitzpatrick’s legendary former teammate Alex Stepney tweeted: “So sad to hear that John Fitzpatrick has passed away. John was a fantastic man and a terrific footballer…RIP John, one of the good guys, all my love to family x”
Stretty News would like to send our condolences to John’s families and friends at this difficult time.
See some tributes to Fitzpatrick posted on social media below:
Everyone at the club is saddened by the loss of our former defender, John Fitzpatrick.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 21, 2020
So sad to hear that John Fitzpatrick has passed away. John was a fantastic man and a terrific footballer…RIP John, one of the good guys, all my love to family x pic.twitter.com/cROSUdYHCp
— Alex Stepney (@AlexStepney1) December 21, 2020
🇾🇪 Sad to hear the news of the passing of Red and Busby Babe John Fitzpatrick
We offer our sincere condolences to his family 🙏
RIP 🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/SoxOAoNx6c
— YesterdaysStars (@YesterdaysStars) December 21, 2020
RIP John Herbert Norton Fitzpatrick Deepest condolences to all his family. Part of Utd history as Utds 1st ever sub replacing his hero A certain Denis Law but had to retire at 26 after playing 117 times for Utd. #MUFC #johnfitzpatrick #ManchesterUnited pic.twitter.com/u1ey85I1yy
— robert bolton (@bob55bolton) December 21, 2020
So sad to hear that another ex Red has left us this year. RIP John Fitzpatrick #MUFC
— 🇾🇪Utd Before Fergie🇾🇪 (@UtdBeforFergie) December 21, 2020
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of former Manchester United defender John Fitzpatrick, who has died, aged 74.
Rest in Peace, John. #mufc pic.twitter.com/pUD0tcSxHL
— RedReveal (@RedReveal) December 21, 2020
Former United defender, John Fitzpatrick has sadly passed away.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones at this difficult time. #MUFC #HJ pic.twitter.com/x1G4haEoIW
— Red Talking (@redtalking1) December 21, 2020
A few words on the passing of John Fitzpatrick, a Manchester United history-maker who was part of the fabric of the club in the late 60s and early 70shttps://t.co/mgnz5qY6dX pic.twitter.com/rq9LUnlo43
— Wayne Barton (@WayneSBarton) December 21, 2020
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