Everybody at Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn that our former manager, Frank O’Farrell, has died. He was 94.

The Irishman replaced legendary manager Sir Matt Busby at Old Trafford in the early 1970s.

O’Farrell lasted just 18 months in the hotseat at the Theatre of Dreams as he faced an almost impossible task of replacing Busby, who had guided United to the European Cup just three years earlier.

As a player, Frank, a train driver’s son born in Cork in 1927, had been a polished wing-half with West Ham United and Preston North End, good enough to collect nine Republic of Ireland caps during the 1950s.

O’Farrell had spells at Weymouth, Torquay and Leicester City as manager before landing the role at United, having charmed Busby with his man-management.

After leaving United, O’Farrell spent time with Cardiff City, the Iran national side and Al-Shaab in the UAE.

We send our condolences to Frank’s family and friends at this difficult time.