Former Manchester United and Aston Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer dies aged 78

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer, a two-time European Cup winner, has passed away aged 78.

Born in Southport, Rimmer began his professional career at Old Trafford. He was a substitute for Sir Matt Busby's side during their famous 1968 European Cup final victory over Benfica.

He later achieved further continental success with Aston Villa. Rimmer started the 1982 European Cup final against Bayern Munich, although a neck injury forced him off the pitch after just nine minutes, with Nigel Spink taking his place.

During his time in the Midlands, he played every match of Villa's First Division title-winning campaign in the 1980-81 season, as well as every fixture leading up to the 1982 European final.

The goalkeeper made 229 league appearances for Villa. He also enjoyed a successful period at Arsenal, where he was named the club's player of the season for the 1974-75 campaign, and later played for Swansea City.

On the international stage, Rimmer represented England once, earning a cap in a 1976 friendly against Italy.

Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Arsenal have all released statements paying tribute and expressing their sadness at his passing.

Alex Stepney, who played alongside Rimmer as a fellow goalkeeper at United, shared a tribute on social media, sending his condolences to Rimmer's family.