'My dad went to watch his beloved Manchester United and never came home'

The devastated family of a Manchester United fan who died after collapsing on the way to a match have paid a moving tribute to a lifelong red.

Alfred Pomfret, 87, was a season ticket in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at Old Trafford. He attended each and every home game with his son Graeme, 63.

The pair were on their way into the Europa League game against Glasgow Rangers on Thursday, January 23, when Alfred collapsed without warning after suffering a cardiac arrest on the car park just outside the stadium.

First police officers and then paramedics rushed to his aid and carried out CPR. He was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) but could not be saved. His death has been attributed to a heart issue and described as 'natural causes' by the coroner's office, his family said.

Graeme and Alf's wife of 67 years, Josie, have now both paid tribute to the loving dad and husband. Alfred worked as an electric engineer for the General Post Office (GPO) in Manchester. In retirement he was often found helping out at the Shrewsbury Street Bakery in his hometown of Glossop, run by Graeme.

Alf was a regular at the Partington Theatre in Glossop and was also a wildlife enthusiast, being a life member of the Wildlife Trust with Josie and attending regular meetings.

"He was always chatting and laughing and joking with people" Josie, 86, said. "He was very amenable and affable. He was one of 10 children so he was used to that atmosphere of being around people and I think he liked that. He was a very loving husband and father."

"He was a man with a really strong work ethic" Graeme said. "Right up until he died he was helping me with my business.

"But he liked to enjoy life as well. He was a very keen United fan and had been going to