David Beckham, Gary Neville, Sir Alex Ferguson pay tribute to deceased Manchester United ex-coach Eric Harrison
Former Manchester United youth team manager Eric Harrison passed away aged 81. Harrison was diagnosed with dementia four years ago and was in the presence of his family in his last moments. The legendary manager is credited for the creation of the Class of 92, which featured the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. The news of Harrison’s passing was confirmed by a statement from United, where the former manager worked for 17 years after leaving Everton.
“Manchester United is extremely saddened to report that our former youth coach Eric Harrison passed away on Wednesday,” the club said. Before taking up the role of a coach, Harrison used to play for Hartlepool and Halifax. The football fraternity expressed their condolences since the news of Harrison’s death broke. Former players such as David Beckham shared images with the late coach in remembrance. Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson described Harrison as ‘one of the greatest coaches of our time.’
Tributes poured in on Twitter as everyone who knew Harrison condoled his family and mourned the loss of a legendary manager.
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We’ve lost our mentor, our coach and the man who made us. He taught us how to play, how to never give up, how important it was to win your individual battles and what we needed to do to play for Manchester United Football Club. He was always watching and always with us everytime we played, I can still hear him telling me NO MORE HOLLYWOOD PASSES. I can still see him as we played on The Cliff training ground looking down on us either with a proud smile or a loud bang of his fist on the window knowing any minute he would be on his way down to probably advise me in the most polite way to stop playing those passes. More importantly he made us understand how to work hard and respect each other and not just on the pitch. We won’t forget the life lessons he gave us. Eric we love you and owe you everything. ❤ Gary, Phil, Ryan, Paul, Nicky and David.
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In 2017, Harrison was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to football. Harrison was highly regarded among his peers and former players.
