Manchester United and Leeds icon McQueen dies aged 70

Former Manchester United, Leeds and Scotland centre-back Gordon McQueen has passed away at the age of 70.

McQueen was part of the Whites side that won the English First Division in 1974 and also played a pivotal role in the Red Devils' 1983 FA Cup win.

He had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in January 2021, something his family suggested he feared that may have been caused by heading a ball repeatedly.

His daughter, sports broadcaster Hayley McQueen, confirmed the news on Instagram in a short statement.

She wrote: "Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad. 

"I thought when the day came I'd be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease, but I just feel numb. 

"I'm hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years."

McQueen was one of the precious few players to enjoy successful stints at both Elland Road and Old Trafford, given the two clubs' fierce rivalry.

Leeds signed the towering centre-back from Scottish side St Mirren and he quickly became a regular in Don Revie's iconic side.

He scored three times in Leeds' run to the 1975 European Cup final, though he missed the final defeat to Bayern Munich through suspension.

When McQueen made the move to Manchester in 1978, he suffered the wrath of furious Leeds supporters — particularly when commenting that: "99% of players want to play for Manchester United and the rest are liars."

But he quickly became a popular mainstay of United's side under Dave Sexton and Ron Atkinson, memorably winning the Cup under the latter.

Having also notched up 30 caps for his country, the Kilbirnie-born star enjoyed a hugely impressive playing career.

After hanging up his boots, McQueen had coaching stints in his homeland and with Middlesbrough, before taking up a role as a pundit on Sky Sports.