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Tony Dunne - Manchester United full-back - Player profile & stats |
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Name: Anthony "Tony" Peter Dunne |
Nationality: Republic of Ireland |
Position: full-back |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Shelbourne, 1960, £6,000 |
Birthdate: 24-07-1941 |
Years at Club: 1960-1973 |
Age: (83) |
Debut: 15/10/1960 v Burnley (A) 3-5 (League Division One) |
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland |
Previous clubs: Shelbourne |
Height: 5' 6" (1.68m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to Bolton Wanderers, 08/1973, £Free |
Weight: 10st 9lbs (67.59kg) |
Passed Away: 08/06/2020 |
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Tony Dunne was an Irish footballer who played as a left-back and is remembered as one of Manchester United’s most reliable and long-serving defenders. Known for his pace, tactical intelligence, and consistency, Dunne was a vital part of the team during United’s golden era under Sir Matt Busby, helping them win multiple domestic and international honors, including the 1968 European Cup. Over the course of his 13-year career at Old Trafford, Dunne made 535 appearances for the club, cementing his place as a United legend.
Early Career and Move to Manchester United
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Tony Dunne began his footballing career with Shelbourne, where his talent was quickly recognized. He helped Shelbourne win the FAI Cup in 1960, and his performances caught the attention of Matt Busby, who signed Dunne for Manchester United later that year for a fee of £5,000.
Manchester United Career (1960–1973)
Dunne joined a Manchester United team rebuilding after the Munich Air Disaster and quickly became an integral part of the squad. He was known for his defensive solidity, speed, and ability to read the game. Over the next 13 years, Dunne would become one of United’s most dependable players, rarely missing a match and contributing to the team’s major successes.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
European Cup Victory (1968): Dunne played a crucial role in United’s 1968 European Cup victory, where the team became the first English club to win the prestigious trophy. He was part of the defense that held firm against Benfica in the final, which United won 4-1 after extra time. Dunne’s pace and defensive acumen were vital in United’s successful European campaign.
First Division Titles (1964–65, 1966–67): Dunne was a key figure in Manchester United’s First Division title-winning teams in the 1964–65 and 1966–67 seasons. His consistency and dependability on the left side of defense helped United dominate English football during this period.
FA Cup (1963): Dunne was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 1963, defeating Leicester City 3-1 in the final. This was United’s first major trophy since the Munich Air Disaster, and Dunne’s performances were instrumental in the club’s triumph.
Longevity and Consistency:
Dunne made 535 appearances for Manchester United, placing him among the club’s top appearance-makers. He was known for his fitness, discipline, and ability to perform consistently at a high level. He was rarely injured, a testament to his durability, and was a reliable defensive presence for more than a decade.
Playing Style: Fast, Disciplined, and Reliable
Tony Dunne was a left-back who combined speed and tactical intelligence to great effect. His pace allowed him to track back and recover quickly, making him a formidable defender against fast wingers. While not known for his attacking contributions, Dunne’s defensive work rate and positioning were second to none. His no-nonsense approach to defending and calm demeanor made him an indispensable part of Matt Busby’s team.
International Career with Ireland
Dunne also had a successful international career, earning 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland between 1962 and 1975. He was a key player for Ireland throughout his career, contributing both defensively and with his leadership on the field.
Later Career at Bolton Wanderers and Retirement
After leaving Manchester United in 1973, Dunne joined Bolton Wanderers, where he continued to play at a high level. He helped Bolton win the Second Division in 1978, securing promotion to the top flight. Dunne played at Bolton until he retired in 1979, capping a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
Legacy
Tony Dunne is remembered as one of Manchester United’s greatest defenders and one of the most dependable left-backs in the club’s history. His role in United’s 1968 European Cup victory and his contribution to the team’s domestic success during the 1960s make him an iconic figure at Old Trafford. With over 500 appearances for the club, Dunne’s consistency, loyalty, and quiet excellence earned him the respect of teammates, managers, and fans alike.
Summary
Tony Dunne was a dependable and consistent left-back who made 535 appearances for Manchester United between 1960 and 1973. He played a key role in United’s European Cup victory in 1968 and helped the club win two First Division titles and the 1963 FA Cup. Known for his speed, discipline, and ability to read the game, Dunne is regarded as one of the finest defenders in Manchester United’s history and a true club legend. |
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League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
1 |
1960-1961 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
1961-1962 |
0 |
28 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
35 |
3 |
1962-1963 |
0 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
4 |
1963-1964 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
5 |
1964-1965 |
0 |
42 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
6 |
1965-1966 |
1 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
56 |
7 |
1966-1967 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
43 |
8 |
1967-1968 |
1 |
37 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
49 |
9 |
1968-1969 |
0 |
33 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
47 |
10 |
1969-1970 |
0 |
33 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
48 |
11 |
1970-1971 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
12 |
1971-1972 |
0 |
34 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
41 |
13 |
1972-1973 |
0 |
24 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
TOTALS |
2 |
414 |
0 |
21 |
0 |
55 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
23 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
535 |
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