Icons: Denis Irwin
It's time to explore another football icon
Denis Irwin was a key member of the Manchester United of the 90's that dominated the Premier League
If you don't know much about him, this article will help you out.
Before Man United
Denis Irwin began his career with Leeds United in 1983, making 72 appearances in the Second Division, before moving on to Oldham Athletic on a free transfer in 1986.
Watch: Oldham Athletic's Denis Irwin scores a free kick v Plymouth Argyle at Boundary Park 88/89
He helped Oldham reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the final of the League Cup in 1990.
Playing a part in United's dominance
In the summer of 1990, he was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of £625,000. In 12 years at Old Trafford, he made 296 Premier League appearances and won seven Premier League title medals, as well as two FA Cup winner's medals (1994 and 1996), a League Cup winner's medal and UEFA Champions League and European Cup Winners' Cups.
He was comfortable in either of the full back positions and an expert at free kicks and penalties, and even in his mid-thirties he was still United's first choice left-back in preference to the much younger Phil Neville.
Later career at Old Trafford
Irwin was awarded a testimonial match for Manchester United – played on 16 August 2000 against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Despite testimonials being friendly matches, due to the match being between local rivals it was a physical affair. Irwin went off injured in the 37th minute after a bad challenge by City striker George Weah.
Watch: Man Utd v Man City - Denis Irwin Testimonal Aug 2000
Irwin made his last appearance for Manchester United at Old Trafford against Charlton Athletic on the final day of the 2001–02 Premier League season. The match ended in a 0–0 draw. For his final appearance as a Manchester United player, Alex Ferguson awarded him the captain's armband.
On that last game, the Old Trafford faithful gave him a standing ovation. He would play at the ground again. Next time, he would be an opposition player as you can if you keep reading.
Leaving as a legend
Irwin joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer after the 2001–02 season, coincidentally joining them at the same time as his former Manchester United teammate Paul Ince who also made a move to the club.
He would eventually earn a promotion back to the Premier League with Wolves and returned to Old Trafford to face United. He was applauded pre match by the Man United fans.
Wolves were ultimately relegated at the end of the 2003–04 season, and the 38-year-old Irwin then announced his retirement.
Denis Irwin videos/clips/tweets
Jim commented on the above video: "He invented the modern full-back, attacked, never injured and scored over 30 goals and would have scored more until Becks came along. Pure class."
Credit - Classic Man Utd Videos and Clips - YouTube
One fan commented: "He invented the modern full-back, attacked, never injured and scored over 30 goals and would have scored more until becks came along pure class."
And here's Denis Irwin, apparently wing wizard, capping off one of those performances Fergie said happened 'only a handful of times a season'. That 1994 team spoiled us. pic.twitter.com/Mk7WDdUtVk
— Wayne Barton (@WayneSBarton) October 13, 2020
Click here to read about Manchester United icons.
One Manchester United fan told us: "What a player he was. So consistent for the club. The greatest Left Back in the Premier League era."
Another added: "The number of goals he scored was amazing."
