A closer look at the career of Denis Irwin
Was this player Manchester United's greatest bargain in the transfer market?
He won the lot at Old Trafford and is still spoken about as being one of the club's finest defenders.
Author | Sophie T
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.
He helped Oldham reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the final of the League Cup in 1990. His performances captured the attention of someone high-profile. In the summer of 1990, he was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of £625,000. Irwin would become one of United's key players as they went on to achieve success in England and Europe.
Twelve years at Old Trafford
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 also won the Intercontinental Cup in 1999.
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.
Josh D, a Manchester United fan, told us: "He was a fantastic player for us for so long. Probably our greatest ever left back."
Coming to the end of a fantastic career
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 two rivals, it was a physical affair. Irwin went off injured in the 37th minute after a bad challenge by City striker George Weah.
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, Sir Alex Ferguson awarded him the captain's armband.
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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.
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