Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin (born October 31, 1965 in Cork, Ireland) is a former Irish football player who is best known for his long and successful stint at Manchester United, where he established himself as one of the most important players in the United team that dominated the Premiership throughout the 1990s. He is regarded by some as arguably being one of the game's greatest fullbacks because of his high work-rate, professionalism, and his versatiliy, playing both left-back and right-back roles for club and country.

Club Career

For many years Irwin was Manchester United's "Mr. Dependable". He started his career with Leeds United, before moving on to Oldham. In 1990 his services were secured by Manchester United for a fee of £625,000. There he would go on to make 296 Premier League appearances, winning seven championship medals, as well as three FA Cup winners medals (1994, 1996 and 1999), a League Cup winner's medal and Champions League and Cup Winners' Cup honours. He was comfortable in either of the full back positions and an expert at free kicks and penalties.

Irwin made his last appearance for Manchester United in the last league home game at Old Trafford against Charlton Athletic in May 2002, which ended in a 0-0 draw. For his final game as a Manchester United player, Alex Ferguson awarded him the captain's armband.

Irwin joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer in July 2002, coincidentally at the same time as his former Manchester United teammate Paul Ince made the move to the West Midlands club.

After Wolves won promotion to the Premier League in 2003, Irwin was applauded by the Manchester United supporters when he walked onto the pitch at Old Trafford, despite the fact that he was playing for the opposition. At the end of the 2003-04 season, and at the age of 38, Irwin retired from professional football.

Career after Retirement

Since 2004, Denis Irwin has been back at Old Trafford working as a presenter at MUTV.

International Career

Irwin was capped 56 times for the Republic of Ireland between 1990 and 1999, and scored 4 goals. He played for his country at the 1994 World Cup.

Honours

Manchester United

• English Champions: 7
  • 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001
• FA Cup: 3
  • 1994, 1996, 1999
• League Cup: 1
  • 1992
• UEFA Champions League:1
  • 1999
• European Cup Winners' Cup: 1
  • 1991
• European Super Cup: 1
  • 1991
• Intercontinental Cup: 1
  • 1999