Who was Eric Harrison? Ex-Man Utd coach known for developing 'Fergie's Fledglings' dies aged 81

The former Manchester United coach famously saw the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville through his youth system and was at Old Trafford for over 27 years.

Who was Eric Harrison?

Eric Harrison was a professional footballer and coach.

The 81-year-old was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2014 and went to live in a nursing home.

During his playing career he played for clubs including Halifax, Barrow and Southport.

Following his retirement, he went into coaching and joined Manchester United from Everton when Ron Atkinson was the boss.

The pair had played together for the Royal Air Force and Harrison joined the Red Devils as the youth team manager.

Harrison became assistant manager of the Wales national football team for four years under Mark Hughes and he was made an MBE in 2018.

Which players were part of 'Fergie's Fledglings'?

When Atkinson was sacked in 1986, Alex Ferguson – his replacement – agreed to keep Harrison in the set-up.

However, Fergie was unhappy with the number of players coming through the youth system.

Harrison told Fergie: "You get me better-quality players, and I'll get you more youngsters in the first team."

The comments saw Ferguson increasing the club's scouting network and introducing a number of players who went on to be stars.

'Fergie's Fledglings' otherwise known as the Class of 92  included David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville and Robbie Savage.

Harrison's side won the 1992 FA Youth Cup and was described as "one of the best crops of young players in the English game."

In 1993, Harrison introduced Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Keith Gillespie to the first team and in 1995 a team led by Phil Neville won the FA Youth Cup again.

What have ex-players and fans been saying on Twitter?

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