Former Man United, Leeds and Scotland footballer Gordon McQueen dies aged 70

Former Manchester United and Scotland footballer Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70 after a battle against dementia.

McQueen – who played 184 times for the Red Devils and won the FA Cup in 1983 – was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2021, with his family regularly documenting his journey to raise awareness about the disease.

His daughter Hayley – a Sky Sports presenter who has regularly spoken out about his ordeal and exclusively told Mail Sport about the family’s struggles in March – posted a tribute to her father on social media announcing his tragic passing. 

She said she felt ‘numb’ after his loss and described the harrowing few months of watching him deteriorate – but vowed to remember him for the man he was.

‘Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad,’ she said on Instagram alongside a family photo. 

Former Manchester United and Scotland footballer Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70

Daughter Hayley McQueen (right) – a Sky Sports presenter who has regularly spoken out about the family’s ordeal – said she feels ‘numb’ while confirming his passing on social media

She posted a family picture of Gordon with his children – saying they would ‘remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years’

‘I thought when the day came I’d be prepared & feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb. 

‘I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.

‘Whilst it’s been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight. 

‘One comfort was he knew all his friends & family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

‘He made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me Anna & Eddie. His career gave me one too and I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace.

‘A big thanks to my employers sky sports who have been incredible throughout this & for all the time off and support they’ve given me this last year or so. #RIPDad

McQueen’s family have been left devastated after watching him deteriorate in recent years 

McQueen (top middle) was part of the Manchester United side that won the FA Cup in 1983

In a full statement from the McQueen family, they said they hailed Gordon as ‘the ultimate entertainer’ who was ‘the heart and soul of the dressing room’ and showed bravery until the very end.

‘It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,’ the statement read.

‘We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life – not least during his recent battles with ill health.

‘Our house was always a constant buzz of friends, family and football and this constant support sustained him as he fought bravely against the cruel impact of dementia.

‘The disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and soul of every dressing room, the most fun dad, husband and papa we could ever have wished for.

He played 184 times for United during a successful spell as a centre-back at Old Trafford 

‘The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end with; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.

‘Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude.

‘You will remain in our hearts always. Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla.’

Leeds were the first of his former clubs to pay tribute, with the club saying they were ‘saddened’ to learn of his passing.

‘Leeds United are saddened to learn of the passing of former defender Gordon McQueen at the age of 70, following a battle with dementia. 

‘The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Gordon’s wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, son Eddie and grandchildren Rudi, Etta and Ayla, along with his friends at this time.’ 

Manchester United also offered their condolences, saying the club was ‘heartbroken’.

‘Everyone at Manchester United is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former defender, Gordon McQueen. 

‘Our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time.’ 

McQueen will be mostly remembered for his time at Old Trafford, where he also won the Community Shield.

He started his career at St Mirren in 1970, playing 57 times for the Saints in his native Scotland before joining Leeds United in 1972. 

McQueen would go on to make 140 appearances for the Whites and was part of their famous 1973-74 First Division-winning side.

In 1985 he signed for Chinese outfit Seiko, where he played for one year before hanging up his boots  

For Scotland, he was capped 30 times, scoring five goals. He was selected for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, but suffered agony as he was unable to play due to injury. 

McQueen briefly ventured into coaching – managing Scottish side Airdrie in 1987 before re-joining his old side St Mirren as a coach – and later joining the set up at Middlesbrough under Bryan Robson. He also worked as a pundit for Sky Sports.

His family called him ‘the ultimate entertainer’ and ‘the heart and soul of the dressing room’

Concerns about his health arose in 2011 when he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Ten years later his family confirmed he had dementia.

‘As a family we felt it was important to let people know, particularly if raising awareness can help others in similar situations,’ they said at the time.

‘Whilst as a family we’ve found it hard to come to terms with the changes in dad, he has no regrets about his career and has lived life to the full.

‘Football has allowed him to travel the world and experience things he could only have dreamed of.

‘But he wants other footballers of today’s generation to know there may be risks with persistent heading of the ball. He does wonder if this has been a factor in his dementia as his symptoms appeared in his mid-60s.’

The McQueens have questioned why Gordon was not given more support by the PFA after his tragic diagnosis

McQueen’s death from dementia follows other high-profile former footballers who have also passed away having been diagnosed with the disease – including Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles. Sir Bobby Charlton has also been diagnosed.  

In her interview with Mail Sport, Hayley McQueen called on the PFA to do more for footballers who go on to become diagnosed with diseases like dementia.

‘We’re not asking the PFA just to give us money,’ Hayley said. ‘But it would be nice to think they could provide respite every six weeks for a week or two so mum doesn’t have that financial burden and can get relief. Why should it all be on us when dad has a union that should be looking after him and others?

‘My sister did get in touch with someone who we won’t name at the PFA. She got an email back which said that it cannot be proven that heading caused this until you have a post-mortem. It also said we had to take into account dad’s “lifestyle choices”. At that point we dropped contact. We saw them in a different light.’