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Full Name
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Denis Joseph Irwin
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Date of Birth
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31st October 1965
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Place of Birth
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Cork,
Rep of Ireland
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Position
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Left back
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Height
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5ft 9
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United debut
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25/8/1990
v Coventry (H)
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Irwin's United Record
1990-2002
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Appearances
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Goals
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League
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356 (12)
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22
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FA Cup
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42 (1)
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7
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League Cup
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28 (3)
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0
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Europe
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73 (2)
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4
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Total
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499 (18)
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33
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Irwin's International Record
1990-2002
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56 Caps for Rep
of Ireland - 4 goals
2001 F.A.
Premier League
2000 F.A. Premier
League
1999 Intercontinental Cup
1999 European
Champions League
1999 F.A. Cup
1999 F.A. Premier
League
1997 F.A. Premier
League
1996 F.A. Cup
1996 F.A. Premier
League
1994 F.A. Cup
1994 F.A. Premier
League
1993 F.A. Premier League
1992 League Cup
1991 European Super Cup
1991 European Cup Winners Cup
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When
Alex Ferguson paid Oldham Athletic £650,000 for Denis Irwin
in 1990 he surely made one of the great transfer bargains in
modern football history. Manchester United got eleven years
of solid professionalism and reliability from the quiet man
from Cork, in return he has amassed a list of honours few
will ever equal compare with - 15 major trophies including 7
Premiership titles and 3 FA Cups. Denis began his career at
Leeds United before moving to Oldham Athletic.
At Old Trafford in the 1990/91 season, Irwin played at
right back but was soon moved to left back the following
season with the purchase of Paul Parker. Irwin fitted into
the position and that is were he remained for the rest of
his career. He soon made the role his own at International
level, making his debut for Ireland in 1990 against Morocco
and playing in the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
Irwin was a skilful attacking full-back, deloying swerving
crosses and clever overlapping runs. He also had one of the
most powerful shots in the game and scored some great goals
in his time - In 1993 a 25 yarder in the 1-0 win at
Coventry, 1994 - his mazy dribble and finish against
Wimbledon in the FA Cup 5th round and in 1993 his free-kick
against Liverpool at Anfield. In fact, up until the arrival
of David Beckham he was United's first choice free-kick
taker.
Denis always gave a very solid performance, so much so that
he rarely ever had a bad game. Importantly he was always
cool-headed on the big occasions. As the 1990's progressed
success came to Old Trafford and Irwin quietly went about
his business whilst collecting the medals. Even in the
1998-99 season, the onset of advancing years was never
noticeable and it was business as usual for Irwin who was
consistent and reliable as ever. At 33 Denis was as good, if
not better than he'd ever been.
United's inability to find a consistent penalty taker led to
him having to take responsibility for 4 of United's 5
penalties that season. His only blemish was his outrageous
sending off by Referee Elleray at Anfield, which cost him a
place at Wembley FA Cup Final with Newcastle because of
suspension. That aside, it was another flawless season
topped off with him appearing in the Champions League Final
win over Bayern Munich to complete the famous 1999 treble.
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The following seasons
were more of the same, although Ferguson did rest Irwin for
more games than in previous years in place of Mickael
Silvestre. In 2000, January Irwin announced his retirement
from International football to focus more on United and help
prolong his playing days. He also gave the penalty taking
duties to Paul Scholes on a number of occasions. Denis had
his testimonial against Manchester City and he was made
honouree captain for the day by Sir Alex Ferguson on his
500th appearance for United (includes Charity Shields), at
Old Trafford against Leicester on St Patrick's Day 2001.
By 2002 aged 36, his advancing years had finally caught
up with him and Denis made his final United appearance at
Old Trafford on 12th May 2002, where he was again made
captain for the day. Unwilling to give up playing just yet,
Irwin made a switch in July 2002 to the team he had
supported as a boy, 1st Division Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And he must have made an impact as Wolves won promotion to
the top flight for the first time since 1984.
Reliable and versatile, Denis Irwin has been a regular at
club and for the Irish Republic for nearly a decade, the
epitome of consistency, turning in solid performance after
solid performance. Of Alex Ferguson's victories at United,
Irwin has been there for them all except the 1990 FA Cup
win. With an awesome list of honours, Irwin's place in
United history is secure - he will be a tough act to follow.
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All pictures in the
profiles can be enlarged by clicking on the smaller version.
Stats do not include friendlies, Charity Shield or World Club tournaments.
Number in brackets ( ) represents appearances as substitute in addition to
starting appearances.
This information is kindly taken from
McCleery's
Manchester United Zone
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