Favourite Players, Denis Irwin

            Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin was born and brought up in Cork in the Republic of Ireland. He began his footballing life as an apprentice at Leeds United, he played over 50 games for them, having been released he was then picked up by Oldham. He had a successful spell at Oldham playing many games and helping his side make an appearance in the League Cup final and the semi final of the FA Cup. In June 1990 he was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of approximately £650,000. The FA Cup semi final in question was against United and has been marked as the game in which Irwin really grabbed the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson.

　

　

Renowned as one of the best value for money signings that United has ever made and that the league has seen. He certainly represented more than value in his stellar twelve year career at United. As a player Irwin was more or less the definition of consistency and was very reliable, Mr Dependable became something of a nickname. A predominantly right footed player he played most of his games at left back, making the spot his own.  He was an ever present and central to the great United teams of his tenure. His versatility to play either side came in handy and he was equally as influential from both. A quick player, courageous, great tackler and adept at free kicks and penalties. A complete defender he provided a threat attacking wise; with his ability to whip in lethal crosses with plenty of spin. He also carried a significant goal threat able to muster a powerful shot from either foot. He really was a tremendous player with an enduring high level of performance that few players could dream of, more so replicate. Though he is well appreciated at United and amongst United fans there is that nagging sense that he is a tad underrated. As a quiet and unassuming character it is maybe not too surprising that he has not been as appreciated as he perhaps should.

 

-UNITED STATS-

         

Appearances	527
Goals	32
Debut	05.08.90

 

 

Due to his availability it allowed him to build strong relationships with his fellow defenders, and team-mates. The strongest of all was that which he shared with Ryan Giggs’. The pair played a number of games together and had a perfect understanding, knowing one another’s games inside out, Giggs never shied from his defensive duties either. Irwin has been quoted as saying “Giggsy was more or less my left foot”. Their partnership was well appreciated by the pair of them and provided a balance and familiarity to the side. With United being so dependable on the wide areas for attacking and pace it is a key area made even stronger for the pairs partnership and that served United well.

 

 

　

　

Irwin scored a total of thirty three goals for United which is very impressive for a defender. A number of his goals were penalties but he did score a number of absolute beauties. One came in the FA Cup in 1994 against Wimbledon and is one of Eric Cantona’s favourite ever goals. Some nice patient build up and Irwin gets the ball dribbles into the box with defenders all around him and drives it in with power right into the bottom corner. A twenty five yarder against Coventry in 1993 which as well as being stunning was also crucial being the only goal in the game. Another renowned goal came against the enemy as a sublime free kick against Liverpool in 1995, Grobelaar could only watch as it sailed in past him.

　

　

An event in a match against Feyenoord in 1997 sent shockwaves rippling right through football and the global media. A sickening challenge on the Irishman almost ruined his career. It caused medial ligament damage and seen him spend time on the sidelines. It was a very dangerous appalling attack and even though it harmed Irwin it could have been much worse. The tackle was even rumoured to be premeditated due to claims of Beckham kicking out at a player in the fixture a fortnight before. It was a deeply shocking moment in his career and the players around him were very upset by it. Bosvelt faxed Irwin his apologies upon seeing the replay of the incident.

　

　

Irwin tasted silverware immediately into his United career, winning the final of the Cup Winners Cup against Barcelona in his first season. He boasts an impressive roll of honour including 7 League titles, 1 League Cup, 3 FA Cups, Four Community Shields, 1 Champions League as well as one, each of the following Cup Winners Cup, European Super Cup and an Intercontinental Cup. He is the eighth highest appearance maker and has the fourth largest medal haul. The highlight of his career undoubtedly came in that magic season of 1998/99 in said season he played 20 games and in the Champions League final.

　

　

Irwin finished his career at the age of thirty eight. He wasn’t quite finished with football after United and subsequently spent two years at Wolves the team he had grown up supporting. Upon returning to United as a Wolves player he was greeted to a standing ovation. He, on occasion plays for the Manchester United legends team and presents on MUTV as well as RTE. Irwin also had an impressive career playing for his country, he made a total of fifty six appearances scoring four goals. He even had the fortune to play at the World Cup finals in 1994. Irwin had a glittering career and certainly came a very long way after being released by Leeds, he won it all on his way through football and even had the opportunity to play for the team he had loved as a child. A complete and utter United legend who will be a shoe in, in either full back position for any great United team named. He is a fans favourite for all he did as a player and is also regarded warmly for his kind, friendly and charitable persona.

　

　

Personally only got to see his last few years as a player first hand due to being very young for much of the 90's. But have seen a fair bit more through watching archived Man United matches. Have a great appreciation for team players and loyalty goes a long way in my books! His consistency was incredible and in the games watched it was rare to see him make a mistake or lose his head. Equally adept in attack and defence, he was a solid player and his goal stats were impressive. Also a threat from set pieces. He was on the mind recently, as there is a real shortage of quality full backs in football. In a game that the players are celebrities in their own right. it is refreshing for players to shun that and not be self publicists- just being all about the football. He was one of those for sure. No fuss, no glamour, reliable and a top pro just the type of player you'd want playing for your club.

Quotes

　

"Denis is the one player I just would not sell. We have some great players at the club but if someone had to vote for pure consistency in every game of a season then Denis would be our player of the year."--- Sir Alex Ferguson, 1995 (upon Irwin signing a contract extension)

　

　

 

"I wonder if there's any way that Denis Irwin can sue the referee for whatever strange decision was made last night."--- Paddy Crerand on a bad Elleray decision (that one that he apparently kicked the ball away)

 

"In any team of the decade, the full back slots are already nailed down: Denis Irwin at right back, and Denis Irwin at left back."--- Alan Hansen

　

　

“There are certain types of players who give managers headaches and I’ve come across a few in my time in the Ireland job. Denis, though, is a manager’s dream, a class act, a nice guy and a player you could always bank on to come up trumps.”---Jack Charlton

A great finish with many consecutive passes, one of Fergies favourites too