Man Utd confirm tragic death of former midfielder Jimmy Nicholson aged 82

FORMER Manchester United midfielder Jimmy Nicholson has passed away at the age of 82.

The Northern Ireland international spent three years with United , making 68 appearances.

2 Former Man Utd midfielder Jimmy Nicholson has passed away Credit: Alamy

2 Nicholson also established himself as a Huddersfield legend Credit: Alamy

He joined Huddersfield Town in 1964, going on to become a club legend.

The midfielder played 310 games for the Terriers across a nine-year spell, and scored 29 goals.

He captained the club to a Second Division title in the 1969-70 campaign.

On the international stage, Nicholson was capped 41 times by Northern Ireland, scoring six goals.

He made his debut in a 5-2 defeat by Scotland in November 1960 aged just 17 years and 256 days, making him the ninth-youngest player to star for the country.

Following his time at Huddersfield, Nicholson went on to play for Bury and non-league sides Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic.

And after hanging up his boots, he stayed in Manchester and worked as a leisure centre manager in the city.

A statement from the Irish FA read: "The Irish Football Association is saddened to hear of the passing of former international Jimmy Nicholson."

It concluded: "The Association sends its sincere condolences to Jimmy’s family circle at this sad time."

Fans have paid tribute to the former Man Utd and Huddersfield star on social media, with one person writing: "RIP Jimmy. Never saw you at the top of your game, but did see you at Mossley and Stalybridge in my youth."

Another said: "A true legend of the club. Rest in peace, Jimmy. Condolences to all his family and friends."

While a third wrote: "One of the early heroes who helped shape the club we love today. RIP Jimmy Nicholson."

JIMMY NICHOLSON'S career, club and international...

1960-63 - Manchester United

1964-73 - Huddersfield

1973-76 - Bury

1976-77 - Mossley

1977 - Stalybridge Celtic

1960-71 - Northern Ireland (41 caps, 6 goals)