Manchester United pay tribute to supporter Ian Stirling

Manchester United have paid tribute to fan representative Ian Stirling, who has died at the age of 57.

Stirling was a founding member of the club’s Fans’ Advisory Board and a long-time member of the Fans’ Forum and as the Independent Supporter Liaison Officer for Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, he protected supporters' interests.

A statement from the club read: "Manchester United is profoundly saddened by the loss of our longstanding friend and fan representative Ian Stirling, who has died at the age of 57."

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Richard Arnold, Manchester United Chief Executive, added: “This is truly devastating news for all of us at the club who knew and worked with Ian. He was a towering figure within our fan community, loved and respected in equal measure. Ian was a relentless and unflinching advocate for the interests of fans, particularly match-goers, and we highly-valued the plain-speaking advice he provided.

“We send our sincere condolences to his wife, Lynn, daughter Lucy, and other loved ones. The best tribute we can pay to Ian is to continue strengthening the club’s commitment to fan engagement via the Fans’ Advisory Board and Fans’ Forum, and preserving the lines of communication and advocacy which he opened in his role as Independent Supporter Liaison Officer.”

MUST have also paid tribute to Stirling, writing: "Everyone at MUST is heartbroken at the news that Ian Stirling, our much loved friend and colleague, has passed away. Ian was a truly great man. Warm, compassionate, generous and funny.

"As his closest friends and family will confirm - no-one enjoyed a joke more than Ian and there are few in our fanbase who have inspired such widespread