Manchester United’s Class of 92 have led tributes from all corners of the football world for Eric Harrison, who passed away peacefully aged 81.
Harrison joined the club in 1981 from Everton and was responsible for rearing the greatest group of academy players in the modern era.
Under his watch, players like David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were transformed from promising youngsters into the backbone of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning side, with many other players coached by Harrison going on to enjoy successful careers elsewhere.
Sir Alex, the Class of 92 and many others have expressed their deep admiration for Harrison.
Sir Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Eric Harrison:
“Eric's contribution to football and not just at Manchester United was incredible. When I came as manager I was lucky enough to have Eric on the staff as head of youth development.” pic.twitter.com/sGBzRxMmtO— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 14, 2019
“I got to see the work he did and not just with the Class of 92 but with all the young players. He built character and determination in those young players and prepared them for the future.”
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 14, 2019
“He was a teacher, he gave these players a path, a choice and he only did that through his own hard work and sacrifice. He was able to impart that education to the young which made him one of the greatest coaches of our time.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/PeoplesPerson_/status/1095984568933470209
https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1095948392805658624
Eric Harrison wasn't just a great coach in the development of many players, he was also a great man who guided young people and helped shape the lives of many more, thanks for everything Eric
— Chris Casper (@ChrisCasper1) February 14, 2019
Such sad news to hear of Eric Harrison’s passing-he was an integral part of my education-not only in football but life in general-hard work, commitment and respect. A brilliant mentor to whom I owe-as others before and after me do-so much. Thank you Eric, may you rest in peace xx
— Ben Thornley (@benthorn30) February 14, 2019
Such sad news to hear about my former youth coach Eric Harrison’s passing. A born WINNER which he installed in all his players RIP Eric
— Norman Whiteside (@NormanWhiteside) February 14, 2019
A great coach and more importantly a great man RIP Eric you brought so much to @ManUtd football club https://t.co/LeWOFUmOav
— Mike Phelan (@Mike_Phelan_1) February 14, 2019
Eric Harrison was a wonderful coach for players coming through @ManUtd and helped produce some of the best but as much as anything he taught you how to conduct yourself and make that step from boy to man. A fantastic influence on so many including myself. RIP Eric.
— Danny Higginbotham (@Higginbotham05) February 14, 2019
A common theme among stories about Harrison – who only officially left the club in 2008 – is that he did not suffer fools lightly.
United has always been a club about standards – on and off the pitch. There is a particular ethic when it comes to representing United, a way in which you must carry yourself, and Harrison made that abundantly clear to every youngster considered good enough to grace the Cliff.
It was never good enough to be a top footballer for Harrison. You had to be a first-rate individual as well: respectful, ruthlessly determined, utterly professional. He was a model example of how United players should think.
We all send our condolences to Harrison’s family and hope he rests in peace.