Ralph Milne dead: Former Dundee United and Manchester United player dies aged 54

Milne made 179 appearances for Dundee United

Ralph Milne, who has died at the age of 54 (Getty Images)

Tributes have been paid to former Scottish footballer Ralph Milne who has died at the age of 54.

The former Dundee United and Manchester United winger had been receiving treatment in hospital for liver problems.

He is remembered by Dundee United fans for scoring the first goal in a 2-1 victory over rivals Dundee that won United their only Premier League title in 1983.

He later signed for Manchester United and also played with Charlton and Bristol City during his career.

Dundee United confirmed his death and paid tribute to him on the club's website.

A statement from the club read: "Ralph can now take his seat in the main stand on high alongside other departed club legends."

He was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2009.

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson said: "This is a very sad day. Ralph's skill and flair epitomised the Dundee United teams he graced and he was undoubtedly one of the finest footballers to hail from the city of Dundee.

"He remains Dundee United's top goalscorer in Europe and I am grateful to have watched him in his prime many times during those fantastic years he starred for United.

"It was a privilege to have known Ralph and he will be remembered fondly and missed sadly by Arabs everywhere."

Football fans united on social media to pay tribute to Milne with many posting a picture of him standing on the pitch with both arms raised aloft after scoring the opening goal when Dundee United won the league in 1983.