Tributes have been paid to former Carlisle United manager and Manchester United player Harry Gregg.

His death was announced by the Harry Gregg Foundation on Monday morning. He was 87.

Gregg was hailed as a hero of the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958, in which 23 people were killed.

He was a survivor and twice returned to the burning fuselage to drag team-mates and strangers to safety.

Gregg rescued United team-mates Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet from the BEA Flight 609, as well as a 20-month old baby and her badly injured, pregnant mother.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper managed Carlisle United between 1986 and 1987.

Carlisle United tweeted: "He was the Hero of Munich - returning to the plane repeatedly to help others in what he described as a ‘spur of the moment’ action. Thoughts with the family and friends of former manager Harry Gregg this morning."

The EFL tweeted: "Our thoughts go out to the family of Harry Gregg this morning after the passing of the former player and manager aged 87."

Manchester United tweeted: "It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry's family and friends."

Doncaster tweeted: "The thoughts of everyone at #DRFC are with the friends and family of Harry Gregg, who made 99 appearances for Rovers before being signed for Manchester United by Matt Busby in 1957 and becoming a hero of Munich. RIP, Harry."

Former United defender Gary Neville tweeted: "Harry Gregg RIP."