Brian Whitehouse played for West Brom in the 1950s. Barratts/EMPICS Sport

Manchester United have announced the death of former coach Brian Whitehouse at the age of 81.

Whitehouse -- a striker for the likes of West Brom, Norwich, Crystal Palace and Charlton -- joined United's staff under the management of Ron Atkinson in 1981.

He was Atkinson's first appointment and would go on to coach the reserve side at Old Trafford.

A statement on United's website read: "Manchester United would like to extend condolences to the family of Brian Whitehouse, who has sadly passed away at the age of 81.''

During a previous coaching stint at West Brom he gave an 18-year-old Bryan Robson his debut.

In a tribute of their own, West Brom said: "He was a diligent member of Albion's Former Players' Association, often to be seen at The Hawthorns.

"A warm and generous man, besotted by football to the end, he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."