Former Manchester United European Cup winner dies

Manchester United have a long history of goalkeepers who have played important roles in some of the club’s greatest moments.

Some have been undisputed No.1s, while others have spent years waiting for their opportunity behind established stars.

One former Red Devils goalkeeper was part of the squad during one of the most significant nights in United’s history.

His career would later take him elsewhere, where he became a European champion in his own right.

Now, the football world is mourning the loss of a goalkeeper who enjoyed an extraordinary career across more than two decades.

Former Manchester United star dies aged 78

Manchester United and Aston Villa great Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78.

The Lancashire-born goalkeeper came through United’s youth system and spent more than a decade connected with the club, making 46 appearances in total, including 34 in the league, between 1963 and 1974.

Jimmy Rimmer was primarily used as an understudy to Alex Stepney during his time at Old Trafford, but he was still part of the United squad that lifted the European Cup in 1968 after beating Benfica in the final.

After nine years with the Reds, Rimmer moved to Arsenal in 1974 before making the switch to Aston Villa three years later.

It was at Villa where he enjoyed one of the defining periods of his career.

He made 229 league appearances for the club and played every match during their European Cup-winning campaign in 1982.

That meant Rimmer became one of a select group of players to have been involved in European Cup triumphs with both Manchester United and Aston Villa.

He also earned his only England appearance while at Arsenal, featuring in a friendly against Italy.

News of Rimmer’s passing prompted a tribute from his former United team-mate Stepney.

“Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy’s family x,” Stepney wrote on X.

Rimmer’s legacy stretches well beyond his appearances for United, with his career spanning more than 20 years and taking him from Old Trafford to becoming a key figure in one of Villa’s greatest-ever sides.

Centre Devils sends its deepest condolences to Jimmy Rimmer’s family, friends and everyone who knew him during his remarkable football career.