For seven years, Scottish footballer Gordon McQueen was known for being the outspoken centre-back of Manchester United. But the family of the star, now 70, have spoken this week about his ‘rapidly’ declining condition after he was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.
Having kicked off the now-legendary ‘five-minute final’ during United and Arsenal’s 1979 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, McQueen scored the first of his team’s two goals in the 86th minute. Whilst it wasn’t enough to be victorious over Arsenal, his contribution remains cemented as part of one of football’s ‘greatest-ever finishes’.
The ‘86th-minute wonder’ started his sporting career in 1970 when he was signed to Scottish professional football club St Mirren at the age of 18. Just two years later - having been closely watched by scouts whilst at the Scottish club - he was signed to Leeds United for £30,000 after being pipped as a replacement for Jack Charlton, who was close to retiring at the time.
