Jimmy Rimmer dead at 78: Former Man Utd and Aston Villa star who won European Cup twice dies as tributes flood in

MANCHESTER UNITED and Aston Villa icon Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78. The veteran goalkeeper helped the sides to a European Cup each during his more-than 20-year career. Aston Villa and Manchester United icon Jimmy Rimmer has died at age 78 Credit: Getty Rimmer (middle) was part of the Villa team that brought them European glory in 1982 Credit: Getty A Lancashire native, the star came through the youth system for United and was on the bench for their triumph in the 1968 European Cup final over Benfica. He spent nine years with the club, primarily as an understudy to Alex Stepney, before moving to Arsenal in 1974. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! But it was his move to Villa three years later that would see him launch his most successful spell. He went on to make 229 league appearances for the side, while also playing in every match of their European Cup-winning campaign in 1982 – though he was subbed off nine minutes into the final against Bayern Munich. An Aston Villa club statement read: “Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, who has died at the age of 78. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.” Rimmer’s former United team-mate Stepney voiced his condolences, writing: “Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy’s family x.” Stepney had also taken to social media just the day prior to say that Rimmer was “under the weather” after a fall, before sending his old goalkeeping partner his best wishes. Most read in Sport The keeper played at the top level for more than 20 years Credit: Getty He also made almost 150 appearances for Arsenal Credit: Getty After departing Villa in 1983, he spent a three-year stint with Swansea City before fleeting spells with Hamrun Spartans in Malta and Luton Town, both in 1986. Rimmer made a solitary appearance for his national team, playing for England in a friendly against Italy while at Arsenal. Comment now