Former Man Utd player and Jack Charlton's assistant Maurice Setters dies aged 83

Maurice Setters, the former Manchester United player and Republic of Ireland assistant manager, has died at the age of 83.

The wing-half, who made more than 400 appearances in the Football League, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease six years ago.

He spent the last two years in a residential home but became unwell a week ago and passed away at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary on Sunday morning.

United have paid tribute to Setters, who was the best man at the 1961 wedding of club legend Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife, Norma.

In a statement, they said they were 'deeply saddened' to learn of Setters' passing.

They added: 'A fearsome competitor, Maurice made 164 appearances during the 1960s for United. He was part of our FA Cup-winning side in 1963 and captained the team on a number of occasions. We send our sincere condolences to those closest to him. Rest in peace, Maurice.'

Setters was originally from Devon and made 10 appearances for Exeter City before being snapped up by First Division West Bromwich Albion.

Sir Matt Busby, searching for experience in the wake of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, brought him to Old Trafford for £30,000 in 1960 following five successful years at The Hawthorns that saw him named as a reserve for England's 1958 World Cup squad.

While with United, Setters lifted the FA Cup in 1963. But after losing his place to Nobby Stiles, Setters moved to Stoke City and would later play for Coventry City and Charlton Athletic, along with a short spell in the United States.

After hanging up his boots he managed Doncaster Rovers for three-and-a-half years and settled in the area before becoming Jack Charlton's assistant at Sheffield Wednesday.

Setters rejoined the 1966 England World Cup winner when he took over at the Republic in 1986 and was his right-hand man in the greatest era of the country's footballing history, encompassing two World Cup appearances.

Setters was dismissed with Charlton in 1995, and reached a settlement with the FAI before an employment tribunal was due to start.