Denis
Irwin
- Appearances529
- Total goals33
One of the modern Manchester United greats, Denis Irwin’s career was one of steady progression to the biggest stage for club and country – where he proved a natural, if often underrated performer, offering sterling service at left-back, with a keen eye for goal.
The former Leeds United trainee was a £625,000 capture from Oldham Athletlc in 1990, having impressed during that year’s epic FA Cup semi-final tussle against the Reds. His first season with United, 1990/91, presaged by a World Cup quarter-final with Jack Charlton’s unfancied Repubic of Ireland, culminated in European Cup Winners' Cup glory in Rotterdam. But it was the 1992/93 Championship-winning season in which Irwin really established himself. Ever-present, he weighed in with five goals, chief among them a 30-yard belter against Coventry City. He was the solitary ever-present during the Double-winning campaign of 1993/94, and was a cornerstone of the side that repeated the feat in 1996. Forced to miss the FA Cup leg of 1999’s Treble through suspension, he was back for the Nou Camp Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich, making a mockery of his 34 years. Further title deeds followed in 2000 – Denis calling time on his international career to prolong his domestic future. A 500th appearance for the Reds arrived during his 10th year of service in 2001 – fittingly enough on St Patrick’s Day, when he skippered the side to home victory over Leicester City. He was given the armband again for the final home game against Derby County – and hoisted the trophy – his seventh title. Having extended his one-year deal by another 12 months, he eventually brought the curtain down on a glittering 12 years against Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford in May 2002. He remains United’s second most-decorated player, with 13 winner’s medals.
Defender
Republic of Ireland
31 Oct 1965
8 Jun 1990
18 Aug 1990
v Liverpool (N) Charity Shield
31 May 2002
United legend says the objectives remain the same as in pre-season and points to experience from 1996.
Barcelona v United is a fixture that demands the world's attention, as Denis Irwin explains in our interview...
Denis Irwin isn't surprised his former team-mate Cruyff is seeing success as Barcelona's sporting director of football.
United legend Denis Irwin says the Reds need to be "on their toes" to deal with Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.
Denis Irwin had three vastly different experiences at Barcelona's iconic stadium, so he's an ideal source of advice.
Denis Irwin previews Saturday's derby against Manchester City...
Denis Irwin says United can’t focus too much on Manchester City, ahead of the upcoming derby.
United Daily | Ahead of kick-off, we hear from Ten Hag, Irwin and the lifelong Red who manages tonight's opponents...
We asked club legend Denis Irwin for his thoughts on Ten Hag's impact, cup runs and our current full-backs...
Legendary defender Denis Irwin assesses how the current players in his former position have been performing this season.
Denis Irwin has been pleased by United's commitment in the cup competitions so far this season.
How does Denis Irwin feel about David De Gea potentially overtaking his appearances record? Let's find out...
Read an extract of our big interview with Denis, who is next in David's sights on our all-time appearances list.
David De Gea is in 10th place, behind which other club legends? Check out the iconic list in detail...
As Qatar 2022 begins, we've picked a dream team of Reds who have shone in previous global tournaments.