Manchester United fan killed in road accident on way to home game

A Manchester United fan has been killed in a road accident while walking to a home match with his grandson. Arthur Eade, 68, was hit by a car on Saturday (26 September) morning near Wharfside Way, Old Trafford.

Mr Eade suffered serious head injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for treatment but he died overnight. He had travelled from Sunderland to watch his much loved Manchester United play his home town team.

In a statement, Mr Eade's family said: "Arthur was born and brought up in Sunderland where he had recently retired from his lifelong career as an HGV driver which took him all over the country. Arthur had travelled down to Manchester with his son and grandson to watch the Manchester United versus Sunderland match as football was one of his passions and he was eagerly looking forward to the game.

"Arthur was very much a family man and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, son-in-law and brother-in-law. He met his wife over 45 years ago whilst serving in The Royal Signals in Germany and following his army service they settled back in Sunderland where they have lived happily ever since.

"He was enjoying his retirement and had just returned from a holiday in Gran Canaria, and was happiest when he had his family around him. He had a great sense of humour and his huge repertoire of jokes kept everyone amused.

"As well as football being a passion, he was also a lifelong Beatles fan and has all their records and loved everything Beatles related. We can't express how we are feeling knowing he has been taken away from us so suddenly. There is a huge hole in our lives and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."

The driver of a Nissan Qashqai who stopped at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call the police on 0161 856 4741.