Charlton pays tribute to fellow ‘Busby Babe’ Scanlon

BOBBY CHARLTON yesterday led the tributes at the funeral of fellow “Busby Babe” and Manchester United legend Albert Scanlon.

Scanlon, 74, who died last month, was in the squad alongside Charlton with both surviving the 1958 Munich air disaster which tore the heart out of Matt Busby’s young United team.

Charlton joined other Munich survivors Harry Gregg and Bill Foulkes, along with fellow United greats Denis Law and Nobby Stiles, to pay their last respects to Scanlon.

Scanlon’s extended family were joined by around 300 mourners for the funeral service at All Souls Church in Weaste, Salford.

Charlton said when he first came to the club, Scanlon befriended him, showed him around the area and took him to his own home for a meal.

“He was so kind and generous,” he added.

“He had a gift, he had blistering pace. He was sensational when he was on song.”

Charlton also brought laughter from mourners as he described Scanlon as “inconsistent” – regularly “roasting” his opposing full-back, then smashing the ball into touch.

Charlton said Scanlon could have played for England but after the air crash his game did not progress and he eventually retired from football.