Manchester United Legend Bill Foulkes Dead At 81

Manchester United legend Bill Foulkes has died, he was 81-years-old.

The announcement of Foulkes’ death was made on the teams official Twitter account. Man U sent out the following messages:

We are very sad to report #mufc legend Bill Foulkes passed away, aged 81, in the early hours of Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/58eM1unlek

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2013

Foulkes, who survived the Munich air disaster in 1958, made his #mufc debut in 1952 and went on to play 688 times for the club.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2013

Only three men – Ryan Giggs, Sir Bobby Charlton and Paul Scholes – have played more games for #mufc than Bill Foulkes.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2013

As noted in the final tweet, only three men played in more games than Foulkes, Sir Bobby Charlton, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. During his time in the Premiere League Foulkes attended 688 outings. A former miner, Foulkes joined the league in 1952 and stuck with Manchester United for 18 seasons. During his tenure with the team he was considered one of the most stable parts of Manchester’s defense. Foulkes was also one of only 20 people who survived the 1958 Munich Air Disaster. That tragedy occurred six years into his Manchester United Career. Following his death supporters were quick to celebrate his life:

Thoughts are with the friends and family of Bill Foulkes, so sad to hear he passed away this morning. Great servant to this club. RIP #mufc

— Michael Carrick (@carras16) November 25, 2013

Sad to hear news of Bill Foulkes passing away. Great servant to the club. Thoughts are with his family. #Mufc

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 25, 2013