BREAKING NEWS: Phil Chisnall, the last player to transfer between Manchester United and Liverpool in 1964, dies at the age of 78
- Phil Chisnall came through Man United’s youth system and turned pro in 1959
- After recovering from a serious knee injury, he made his first team debut in 1961
- Chisnall received praise from legendary bosses Alf Ramsey and Bill Shankly
- He joined Liverpool for £25,000 after scoring 10 goals in 47 games for United
- Chisnall earned an England U23 cap and also played for Southend and Stockport
- United extended their condolences to Chisnall’s family in a heartfelt statement
Former Manchester United striker Phil Chisnall has died at the age of 78.
The late forward was the last player to make a direct move from Old Trafford to rivals Liverpool, having been transferred for a fee of £25,000 in 1964.
In a statement, United said: ‘It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of former Manchester United player Phil Chisnall, who has died at the age of 78.
Former Manchester United and Liverpool forward Phil Chsinall has died at the age of 78
‘Phil, a product of United’s famous youth system, caught the eye as one of the most promising young talents of his time and went on to represent the first team between 1961 and 1964 before his transfer to Liverpool.’
Chisnall turned professional in 1959 after coming through United’s youth ranks and made his first team debut against Everton in 1961, aged just 19.
A knee injury had threatened to curtail Chsinall’s career as a teenager but he battled back to make an impact under legendary boss Matt Busby.
His first goal for United came in a 2-0 derby win over rivals Manchester City at Maine Road, although he spent much of the 1962-63 campaign in United’s reserves.
He was back in the first team during the following campaign, taking the No 8 shirt from Albert Quixall and earning a call up to England’s Under-23 side.
Three Lions boss Alf Ramsey described Chisnall as ‘probably the best passer of a ball in the country’ in 1963, but he soon found himself out of the United side following the arrival of Graham Moore.
Chisnall, who was born in Manchester in 1942, scored 10 goals in 47 appearances for United before making the move to Anfield in 1964 for £25,000.
Chisnall is the last player to leave United (L) for Liverpool (R), having made the move in 1964
After his arrival, Reds manager Bill Shankly said of Chisnall: ‘Phil can do unusual things with the ball, he might be something special.’
However, he found opportunities hard to come by on Merseyside and made just nine appearances in three seasons before departing for Southend United.
In a statement on Wednesday, Liverpool said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Phil Chisnall.
‘The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Phil’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Phil Chisnall 1942-2021.’
Chisnall joined Southend in 1967 and went on to score 28 goals in 142 appearances for the club
Chisnall found his feet again in Essex, going on to score 28 goals in 142 appearances in four years at Roots Hall.
A move back north to Stockport County followed, with Chisnall hanging up his boots following two goals and 30 appearances in the 1971-72 season.
He returned to Manchester after his retirement, running two betting shops before working as a plant operator and in a bakery.
On their website, United added: ‘Manchester United extends its condolences to Phil’s family and friends at this sad time.’
