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Full Name
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Norman Whiteside
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Date of Birth
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7th May 1965
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Place of Birth
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Belfast
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Position
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Forward/Midfielder
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Height
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6ft 2
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United debut
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24/4/1982
vs Brighton (A)
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.....
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Whiteside's United Record 1982-1989
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Appearances
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Goals
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League
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193 (13)
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47
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FA Cup
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24
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10
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League Cup
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26 (3)
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9
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Europe
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11 (2)
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1
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Total
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254 (18)
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67
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Whiteside's International Record
1982-1989
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38 Caps for N
Ireland - 9 Goals
1983 F.A. Cup
1985 F.A. Cup
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Norman Whiteside will always be remembered for being the
youngest at everything. At 17 he was the youngest United
player to play for the first team since Duncan Edwards, the
youngest player to score in an FA Cup Final and the youngest
player ever to appear in the World Cup Finals, for Northern
Ireland in 1982. Big Norman was pure class, powerful and
strong, he was lethal in the air and could shoot with both
power and accuracy. He was also never afraid to try
something different or unexpected, making him a constant
threat to opposing defences.
His strength frequently allowed him to turn defenders and
steal a yard of space, for his only flaw was a lack of pace.
Alex Ferguson said "If Norman had a yard more pace he would
have been one of the greatest players ever produced in
British football".
The Press called him "The Shankill Skinhead" for he was
often a physical player who loved to get stuck in, although
never overly malicious or dirty. In fact the fans loved him
all the more for it, as it showed his drive and commitment.
Alex Ferguson remembering a game against Arsenal in 1986,
laughed "Big Norman Whiteside kicked everybody up and down
the pitch for 90 minutes and didn't even get booked!" Norman
made up for that though, he was a player capable of scoring
goals that only the most gifted of players could score. His
1985 Cup Final winner and 1982 League Cup Final goals are
prime examples of his goal scoring ability. |
Born in North
Belfast, Norman was spotted by United's legendary Ulster
scout Bob Bishop, the man also responsible for bringing
George Best and Sammy McILroy to Old Trafford. He made his
United debut in the Spring of 1982 against Brighton before
making history in the World Cup with Northern Ireland. It
was during those finals in which Norman first became famous,
as he helped the Ulstermen surprise and delight everyone by
reaching the Quarter-finals. The following season United
reached the 1983 League Cup final, in which he scored
another "youngest ever" goal and then again month later when
he scored in the FA Cup Final replay 4-0 win against
Brighton.
The next few years were the high point of his career both
for United and Northern Ireland. His most famous moment came
in 1985 when United played the then champions Everton in the
FA Cup Final. At 0-0 in extra time, reduced to ten men,
United were up against it and an Everton winner seemed
likely. Then, Big Norman went on a run down the right wing
and curled in a superb bending shot from 20 yards to beat
Everton keeper Southall. It won goal of the season and
sealed undoubtedly United's greatest FA Cup Final win.
The following seasons saw Whiteside adopt a more deeper
position in midfield, he would captain both United (in
Robson's absence) and Northern Ireland. Sadly, injuries and
suspensions saw his career take a down-turn around 1988 and
Alex Ferguson began reshaping his team. An unhappy Norman
did not seem to figure in the managers plans, hampered by a
recurring knee injury he was sold to Everton in 1989 for
£600,000. After two years with the blues the knee trouble
got worse and he was forced to retire at 27. Not the sort of
man for self-pity he went back to University were he built a
career as a specialist in sports injuries to the feet.
Norman Whiteside still remains an all-time United hero to
this day. A beacon of hope in what was a decade of
under-achievement, a highly gifted player who captured the
hearts and imaginations of the United fans, he is fondly
remembered and appreciated for what he did at Manchester
United. |
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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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