Stuart Pearson, affectionately nicknamed "Pancho," was a prolific striker who became a fan favourite for his lethal goal-poaching and his signature raised-fist celebration.
He is most famously remembered for scoring the opening goal in the 1977 FA Cup Final, a crucial 2-1 victory over Liverpool that famously denied their rivals a historic Treble.
Signed from Hull City in 1974, Pearson was instrumental in United’s immediate promotion back to the First Division before establishing himself as a top-flight star with 66 goals in 188 appearances for the club.
Despite battling persistent knee injuries later in his career, he remained a "big occasion player" and even continued his association with the club as a matchday host at Old Trafford for many years.
