After us, United were dad’s one true love...

TRIBUTES TO ERIC THE RED

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known United fan who has died.

Great-grandad Eric Barlass, 70, from Salford, was a lifelong Red who loved watching his beloved team at home and abroad.

First going to Old Trafford in the 1960s, he was a popular ‘Stretford Ender,’ standing on the famous terrace at every home game.

Eric died near his home in St Helens, in what his daughter said is believed to be a tragic accident, late on Christmas Day.

He suffered a fatal head injury in a fall after getting a taxi back to his home at around 11.30pm.

His funeral is being held on Friday, with the club sending a wreath and several ex-players expected to make an appearance.

Legendary United flag Big Lily will also be there, and will be unfurled at a celebration of Eric’s life at Blackley Crematorium.

Born in Salford, Eric also lived in Prestwich and Heywood before moving to St Helens, Merseyside, in later life.

Eric leaves daughters Kerry, 42, Shannon, 22, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Paying tribute to her dad, Kerry said: ‘He just absolutely loved United. After his family, they were his one true love.

“He was such a doting dad, grandad and great-grandad. And he passed his passion down to us. He used to say it ran through his veins.

“One of the first things he taught me was ‘make sure your boyfriend is a Red.’ He was like Peter Pan, he never really grew up. Even at this age, he was going to the games and singing and dancing in the pub - he loved it.

“It’s come as such a massive shock to us all, as he wasn’t poorly Eric Barlass with daughter Kerry, grandson Zach and granddaughter Courtney or anything like that. We’re all heartbroken.

“But I’m sure he’ll be looking down on us now, laughing.

“Having all his mates together, the Big Lily there, all in a big celebration of United, that would be his paradise. So I know I’m doing the right thing in making his funeral a celebration not only of his life but of his beloved United as well.”