According to his family, Gordon McQueen, a former center-back for Scotland, Manchester United, and Leeds United, passed away at the age of 70 after a protracted battle with dementia.
Bryan Robson, a former United and England midfielder who worked with McQueen as a coach while in charge of Middlesbrough, was one of the first to offer sympathies.
McQueen was the perfect addition to Manchester United, according to Robson, because of his brilliance, audacity, and alluring attitude. He emphasized that in addition to being a talented football player, McQueen was a nice person with a loving heart who could brighten any area he entered.
North Ayrshire native McQueen began playing football in Scotland with St Mirren before becoming well-known for his services to the famous Leeds team of the mid-1970s. He is originally from that region. He played a significant role in Leeds’ 1973–74 English championship victory.
However, he was not present for the 1975 European Cup final, which Bayern Munich ultimately won. In 1978, McQueen transferred to Manchester United, a fierce rival. On Thursday, flags outside of Old Trafford flew at half-mast as a mark of respect.
McQueen, one of the top center-backs of his period, stood tall at 6 feet 3 inches and stood out thanks to his unique blond hair. He participated in 30 games for Scotland even though he was absent during the 1978 World Cup.
Gordon McQueen obituary
On June 26, 1952, Gordon McQueen, a former Scottish professional footballer, was born. He was a successful center-back for illustrious teams like St. Mirren, Leeds United, and Manchester United. McQueen additionally played for the Scottish national team.
McQueen began playing throughout his school years as a goalie but eventually switched to a center-back position. St Mirren signed him when he was 18 years old.
Scouts from numerous clubs were drawn to his remarkable performances, and in the end, Leeds United purchased his services for £30,000 during the 1972 offseason. In Leeds’ eyes, he would eventually take the place of the ailing Jack Charlton.
Although Charlton participated in a few games during the 1972–73 campaign, he made the decision to retire as the campaign came to a close. In McQueen’s first season with Leeds, he made six appearances.
McQueen became a fixture in the team for the majority of the 1973–74 season as Charlton retired and Paul Madeley played numerous roles. Leeds went on to win the League Championship that year after starting the season 29 games without losing. As Leeds’ starting center-back tandem, McQueen and Norman Hunter played a significant part.
The following season, McQueen and Hunter continued to play admirably at the back, especially during Leeds’ run to the European Cup. Even better, McQueen managed to score three goals throughout the competition. His voyage was, however, cut short when he was suspended for his red card against Barcelona in the semifinal. Final score in the 1975 European Cup Final: Bayern Munich defeated Leeds 2-0.
McQueen unexpectedly transferred from Leeds to Manchester United for a sum of £500,000 in February 1978. He brazenly declared upon joining that “99% of players want to play for Manchester United, and the rest are liars.”
It’s interesting to note that in a recent interview with Shoot magazine, he indicated his wish to spend his entire career at Elland Road. McQueen continued to play in the 1979 FA Cup Final when he assisted in United’s 2-1 victory by scoring United’s opening goal in the 86th minute.
After a replay against Brighton & Hove Albion in the 1983 FA Cup Final, McQueen earned his first FA Cup winner’s medal. When Liverpool defeated Manchester United in the 1983 Football League Cup Final, he was disappointed that same year.