Manchester United's Danish talent scout Tommy Møller Nielsen has died, his wife has confirmed.
The 61-year-old Dane had been working for the Red Devils for seven years having arrived at the club in 2016. He was most recently consulted about the signing of Christian Eriksen last summer, ahead of the former Inter Milan and Tottenham playmaker arriving at Old Trafford on a free transfer from Brentford.
The news was announced via Danish outlet Fyens Stiftstidende, with Nielsen's wife confirming the news.
A statement from the Red Devils read: "Manchester United is deeply saddened by the death of Tommy Møller Nielsen, a senior scout for the club since 2016. Tommy was a highly respected member of our scouting team, valued for his experience and knowledge gained from over 30 years in coaching and scouting positions in Scandinavia and Scotland.
"Everyone at the club sends our sincerest condolences to Tommy’s family and we are in touch with them to offer any support possible at this incredibly difficult time."
A statement from Nielsen's former club Odense Boldklub on Monday afternoon read: "It is with deep sadness that we have received the message that the former first team player and OB ambassador Tommy Møller Nielsen has passed away. All our thoughts go out to Tommy's family and friends at this difficult time."
Nielsen had been a key part of United's scouting operation in Scandinavia in recent years. He also recently opened up on the process that United go through when identifying a potential signing.
Speaking with Tipsbladet, he said: "When we bring in a player, whether it’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Ronaldo or now Christian Eriksen, a huge amount of work is done. A thorough preliminary work will be done, regardless of whether it is an unknown one who is going to enter the squad or whether it is a big name.
"That’s how United works. Everything is analysed.
Nielsen was the son of Denmark's most successful manager of all time - Richard Møller Nielsen. He twice won the Danish league title, whilst he also led the national side to a shock Euros victory back in 1992.
Tommy had also enjoyed a long and varied career that has seen him combine scouting with coaching. As well as Man United, he also held roles with Scottish sides Rangers and Aberdeen.
He spent all of his playing career bouncing between clubs in Denmark before hanging up his boots in 1991 at the age of 30.
