The Manchester United All-Time Draft - Selection Thread & Rules

----------------------------------
SIR ROBERT "BOBBY" CHARLTON
Born: 11.10.1937, Ashington, England
Position: Midfielder/Inside Forward
----------------------------------

Bobby Charlton is without doubt one of the most famous English players of all time. His name is synonymous with some of the greatest moments in the English game, but also with the highest traditions of sportsmanship and integrity. Bobby using his pace out of midfield and with a thunderous shot, scored some of the most spectacular goals English football has ever seen. He was signed by Manchester United when aged 17. As one of the "Busby Babes" to survive the Munich air disaster, he teamed up with Denis Law and George Best in the 1960s to produce some of United's greatest ever football.

Charlton remained faithful to United and in his time there from 1956-73, he won the league championship three times, the FA Cup once and the European Cup once. Benfica was beaten 4-1 in a memorable final in 1968 at Wembley. All in all Charlton played more than 750 games for Manchester United and scored 247 goals in all competitions. He was also voted "European Footballer of the Year" in 1966. The same year England hosted and won the World Cup for their first and so far only time.

Charlton was instrumental in England's triumph. After a poor start against Uruguay, England beat France and Mexico. Charlton scored a stunning goal against the Central Americans. Then Argentina and Portugal were eliminated in the knock-out stages, with Charlton scoring both England's goals in the 2-1 win over Portugal. In a memorable final England beat West Germany after extra time. Charlton retired from international football when England were defeated by West Germany four years later in Mexico in the quarterfinals. Charlton played 106 times for England - a record at that time - and scored 49 goals, which is still a record in English football.

This text is a modification of the Planet World Cup article on Bobby Charlton.

NATIONAL TEAM STATISTICS

England NT overall record*
1958-1970
Matches played: 106 (61-23-22)
Goals scored: 49

* NT statistics courtesy of RSSSF

CAREER SUMMARY**

League Games:
England 607 (1956-1973) / 197 goals

Domestic Cup Games:
English Cup, 67 (1957-1973) / 20 goals

European Cup Games:
46 (1956-1969) / 22 goals

European Footballer of the Year:
1960 (7th), 1961 (10th), 1963 (8th), 1965 (5th), 1966 (winner), 1967 (2nd), 1968 (2nd)

English Footballer of the Year:
1966 (Sport Writers “Footballer of the Year”), 1973 (Professional Football Association`s “Footballer of the Year”)

Trophies & Tournaments:
World Cup winner : 1966
World Cup participation: 1958*, 1962, 1966, 1970
European Championship: 1968 (3rd)
European Champions Cup-Winner: 1968
European Champions Cup finalist: -
European Cup Winners Cup: -
European Cup Winners Cup-finalist: -
UEFA/Fairs-Cup Finalist: -
World Club Cup winner: -
English Champion: 1957, 1965, 1967
English runner-up: 1959, 1964, 1968
English Cup winner: 1963
English Cup finalist: 1957, 1958
Top League Goal Scorer: never

*did not play

** Career summary by Gregoriak found @ worldcup-history.com


See also articles by:

The International Football Hall of Fame
http://www.ifhof.com/hof/charlton.asp

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Charlton

Profile supplied by ChaChaFut

 

GEORGE BEST

Born: 22 May 1946 in Belfast.

Nickname: El Beatle.

Position: Left wing, right wing.

Caps:
Northern Ireland 37 (1964-1977) / 9 goals

League Games:
England 361 (1963-1974) / 136 goals
Ireland 3 (1975-76) / 0 goals
USA (NASL) 150 (1976-1981) / 56 goals
England II. Division 42 (1976-78) / 8 goals
Scotland II. Division 17 (1980-81) / 3 goals

Domestic Cup Games:
English Cup 47 (1963-1974 & 1976-78) / 21 goals
Scottish Cup 3 (1980-81) / 0 goals

International Cup Games:
Champions’ Cup 21 (1965-1969) / 9 goals
Fairs Cup 11 (1964-65) / 1 goal
Cup Winners’ Cup 2 (1963-64) / 0 goals
Intercontinental Cup 2 (1969) / 0 goals

European Footballer of the Year: 1967 (8th), 1968 (winner), 1969 (6th), 1971 (3rd)

English Footballer of the Year: 1968

Trophies & Tournaments:
World Cup participation: -
European Championship: –
British Champion: 1964
European Champions Cup: 1968
European Champions Cup beaten finalist: -
European Cup Winners Cup: -
European Cup Winners Cup beaten finalist: -
UEFA/Fairs Cup: –
UEFA/Fairs Cup beaten finalist: -
Intercontinental Cup winner: -
English Champion: 1965, 1967
English runner-up: 1964, 1968
English Cup winner: -
English Cup beaten finalist: -
Top League Goal Scorer: 1968

It is unlikely that any player in the history of the game has ever garnered as much attention, opprobrium and adulation as George Best. For the past 40 years he has enthralled the British public as much through his hell-raising off the pitch as his genius on it. However, despite the controversy that has often followed Best there are few that could deny he is among the most talented figures to ever kick a ball.

Best was born on May 22nd 1946 in Belfast and it was not long before his prodigious footballing abilities began to surface. In 1961 he arrived in Manchester, a skinny teenager, seeking footballing fame with a Manchester United side still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the Munich air disaster which had ripped the heart out of the club and killed so many of its leading players. Despite his early homesickness Best stuck it out at United, and made his debut in a league match against West Bromwich Albion in 1963. The following year Best really started to make his mark and was called up to the Northern Ireland squad for whom he made his debut in a game against Wales at Swansea.

In 1965 Manchester United were crowned English champions and the following season entered the European Cup with much expected of the young Best. He was not to disappoint. In the quarter final Manchester United faced Benfica, the side that had so far dominated the decade and still including such talents as Eusebio and Coluna. United annihilated Benfica 8-3 on aggregate, with Best in astonishing form at the Luz. Best had already been given the title of the “5th Beatle” as reference to his film star looks and crowd pleasing abilities. When he stepped off the plane returning from Lisbon that nickname changed to “El Beatle”, as he was christened by the Iberian media. Despite United being eliminated by Partizan Belgrade in the semis Best was truly starting to be noticed throughout Europe for his mesmeric dribbling skills and his superb touch with both feet.

In 1967 United repeated their league success, and went into the 1968 European Cup hoping to match Celtic’s performances of the year before that had seen them become the first British European Champions. United’s trip to the final provided some superb matches, but none could equal a thrilling Wembley final. Who better for Best to face than Benfica, the team that he had destroyed almost single-handedly two years earlier? In a tight game Bobby Charlton put United ahead before Graca levelled with just 9 minutes remaining. With just seconds left the great Eusebio spurned a golden opportunity to win the game for Benfica and the game went to extra-time. It was to be a costly miss, as early in extra-time Best ghosted past two defenders to put United ahead before Kidd and Charlton added further goals against a demoralised Benfica side. It was a fitting end to a great season for Best, he had been top scorer in the league and was later crowned European Player of the Year following his team-mates Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

Later in the year though Best was to witness the other side of the “Beautiful Game” as United faced Estudiantes of Argentina in the World Club Cup. Although these games were supposed to be a showcase occasion for the sport, little was done to enrich the reputation of either team. The tone was set for the fist match in Buenos Aires by Nobby Stiles the combative United midfielder being described in the programme notes as “brutal, badly intentioned and a bad sportsman”. Given the ignominious exit of Argentina at the WC in England 2 years earlier it was no surprise that the game would be more than little heated. While many United players were kicked from pillar to post, most notably Stiles, Best was showered with missiles thrown by the home fans. United lost the game 1-0 but the score line was largely immaterial. In the return leg Best was dismissed for fighting in another bruising brutal encounter that eventually ended 1-1.

The winning of the European Cup marked a major change at United in Best’s eyes. “For Matt (Busby) and Bobby Charlton, for Bill Foulkes, for Denis Law … they’d done it. And they sat back and you could almost hear the energy and ambition sighing out of the club. It was like being in at the winding up of a company”, Best later said.

In 1969 Busby retired and returned but his presence haunted the club and only served to undermine future managers as the club desperately sought to maintain the hegemony of the English and European game. Best though while troubled by the off field antics could still turn on the style when needed. In 1970 United played Northampton Town in the FA Cup fifth round, and Best scored 6 as United won 8-2.

In the 1971-2 season United started the well and at one point led the league by a massive 8 points, but their form fell away as they finished a disappointing 8th.

The following years saw Best increasingly lose his passion for both United and football, and in 1973-4 he left the club aged just 27. He was subsequently banned by FIFA until he joined Stockport County and the ban was lifted in 1975. He later joined a succession of clubs including Fulham, for whom he scored after 71 seconds of his debut.

The years after the European Cup victory saw Best increasingly live his life more like a rock star than a footballer and his game was the victim. Best’s career after football was no less eventful than his playing days, but it was somewhat less admirable. In 1984 Best was jailed for 12 weeks for drink driving, assaulting a policeman and failing to answer bail.

Best’s cavalier attitude to the game and reputation as one of the 20th century’s greatest playboys has been cemented by a number of now infamous quotes. Choice among them were “They said I had 5 Miss Worlds but it was only 3” and “I spent most of my money on birds, booze and fast cars, the rest I just squandered”. However, while these have endeared him to so many fans over the years, few would deny that they also represent the incredible talent Best, to some extent, squandered. When he won his European Cup Best was just 22 and had the whole world at his feet, he had the opportunity to prove that he was the game’s finest ever exponent as so many in Britain believe. Instead Best’s career had already fallen apart before he had even reached the age at which most players peak. While there is no denying the incredible performances that Best produced in his pomp, there will always be a sense of what might have been.

Best’s renown guarantees that he is never short of work as a pundit and after-dinner speaker and he at present is part of Sky’s Gillette Soccer Saturday team.

Domestic Club Games

Season - Club - Games – Goals – [Caps / Goals]

1963/64 Manchester United............17 / 04 [ 2 / 0 ]
1964/65 Manchester United............41 / 10 [ 7 / 3 ]
1965/66 Manchester United............31 / 09 [ 3 / 0 ]
1966/67 Manchester United............42 / 10 [ 1 / 0 ]
1967/68 Manchester United............41 / 28 [ 1 / 0 ]
1968/69 Manchester United............41 / 18 [ 4 / 1 ]
1969/70 Manchester United............37 / 15 [ 4 / 1 ]
1970/71 Manchester United............40 / 18 [ 6 / 4 ]
1971/72 Manchester United............40 / 18 [ 2 / 0 ]
1972/73 Manchester United............19 / 04 [ 1 / 0 ]
1973/74 Manchester United............12 / 02 [ 1 / 0 ]
1974 ....Dunstable Town FC............Southern League
1975 ....Stockport County FC..........IV. Division
1975/76 Cork Celtic FC...................03 / 00
1976 ....Los Angeles Aztecs.............24 / 15 [ 3 / 0 ]
1976/77 Fulham FC........................II. Division
1977 ....Los Angeles Aztecs.............25 / 13 [ 3 / 0 ]2
1977/78 Fulham FC........................II. Division
1978 ....Fort Lauderdale Strikers......12 / 01
1979 ....Fort Lauderdale Strikers......19 / 02
1980 ....San José Earthquakers........26 / 08
1980-81 Hibernian FC Edinburgh.......II. Division
1981 ....San José Earthquakers........30 / 13
1982-83 Motherwell FC...................II. Division
1983 ....Arbroath Victoria................III. Division
1983 ....AFC Bournemouth...............III. Division
1984 ....Nuneaton Borough FC..........Conference League
1984 ....Tobermore FC....................B-Division


International Club Games

1963/64 Manchester United...ECII.........02 / 00
1964/65 Manchester United...Fairs Cup..11 / 01
1965/66 Manchester United...ECI..........06 / 04
1967/68 Manchester United...ECI..........09 / 03
1968/69 Manchester United...ECI..........06 / 02

*Again, credit to comme for the profile.

 

Roy Keane...




Early career

Roy Keane first played football for local Cork club Rockmount, before signing for the semi-professional Irish club Cobh Ramblers in 1989. Scouts from Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest took note of his talents and promptly signed him for the sum of £10,000. Keane was quick to impress at Nottingham Forest, making his professional league debut against Liverpool.

In 1991, Keane was a regular in the side, displacing the English international midfield player Steve Hodge, and scored three goals during a run to that season's FA Cup final, which Forest ultimately lost to Tottenham Hotspur. A year later Keane returned to Wembley with Forest for the League Cup final but again finished on the losing side as Manchester United gained a 1-0 win.
[edit]

Manchester United

Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers competed to sign Keane after Nottingham Forest's relegation in 1993. Manchester United were successful, signing Keane for a then-record £3.75m transfer fee. Keane immediately went into the first team, playing in centre-midfield alongside Paul Ince.

After the retirement of Eric Cantona in 1997, Keane became team captain, although he missed most of the 1997-98 season because of a cruciate-ligament injury, caused by an attempt to foul the Leeds United player Alf Inge Haaland. As Keane lay prone on the ground, Haaland stood over Keane, accusing him of feigning injury. United were top of the league at the time, but their form dropped and they finished the season without a trophy. Keane returned, however, to captain the club to an unprecedented treble in 1999 including the FA Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup. As a recognition for his efforts, Keane was voted PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2000.

In 2001, Keane played against Alf-Inge Haaland for the first time since their clash in 1998, and was sent off for a foul which left Haaland with a serious injury. He subsequently admitted in an autobiography that he intended "to hurt" Haaland. Although Haaland retired from football shortly afterwards, he had previously stated on his website that the cause of this was a recurring problem in his leg, rather than Keane's tackle. Keane was banned for five matches and fined £150,000.

Although he maintains a low profile off the pitch, Keane was involved in several controversial incidents while at Manchester United. In 1995, he was sent off from an FA Cup semi-final for stamping on Gareth Southgate, for which he was suspended for three matches and fined £5,000. In August 2002 he was fined two weeks' wages, £150,000, and suspended for three matches for elbowing Jason McAteer. This caused much anguish in the English press as Keane booked himself in for a hip operation and thus would have missed those three matches anyway.

Keane's trophy haul with Manchester United includes: 7 Premiership titles (1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003), 4 FA Cups (1994, 1996, 1999, 2004), a European Cup (1999 - though Keane missed the final through suspension) and an Intercontinental Cup (1999). On February 5, 2005, Keane scored his 50th goal for Manchester United in a league game against Birmingham City. His appearance in the 2005 FA Cup final (which United lost) was his seventh such game, an all-time record. Keane was also picked on the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest living footballers picked by Pelé.

Keane was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004 in recognition of his undoubted impact on the English league.
[edit]

Leaving Manchester United

Most recently, his criticism of several of his fellow Manchester United players after an abject 4–1 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough was deemed too damning and was subsequently pulled from transmission on United's own TV station, MUTV. Keane is thought to have blasted Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and, perhaps most notably, Darren Fletcher. Keane was widely supported by Manchester United fans after the outbursts.

He had announced that he would leave United in the summer of 2006, at the end of his contract with Manchester United. Many people were expecting Keane to fulfill his dream of playing for Celtic when he parted ways with his club of 12 years. He is already training for his UEFA coaching badges. His then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson had said that he wanted Keane to succeed him as manager when he retires. However, in the wake of Keane's tirade against his own teammates, Ferguson had gone coy over Keane's prospects as a manager. In November 2005, Ferguson said "young managers come along and people say this one will be England manager or boss of this club, but two years later they're not there. It's not an easy environment to come into, I wouldn't forecast anything."

Keane unexpectedly left Manchester United on November 18, 2005, during a protracted absence from the team due to injury. He played his last game for Manchester United in September 2005, which was a 0-0 against rivals Liverpool in which he sustained a broken foot. Keane criticised the club's pre-season trip to Portugal, branding it unprofessional — which triggered an argument with assistant coach and one-time Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz. He had already stated his belief that his contract would be the last with the club and the aforementioned MUTV transmission had frosted relations still further. There had also been rumours of Ferguson threatening to strip him of club captaincy for refusing for apologise for his MUTV outburst, although some of the players concerned publicly backed him afterwards.

Manchester United reached an agreement with Roy Keane allowing him to leave the club immediately, and offered him a testimonial in recognition of his 12½ years at Old Trafford. The club also thanked him for his major contribution as a player. On 14 December, the BBC reported that Keane would sign with Celtic, after agreeing to sign a contract in the region of £40,000 per week, and he officially became a Celtic player the following day, although the club denied the wage level reported in the media, with Chief Executive Peter Lawwell stating that Keane would 'fit within the current wage structure' - which is a maximum wage of £22,500 per week [1].
[edit]

International Career

At international level, Keane has represented his country 66 times (as of September 2005). Keane was named Ireland's player of the tournament at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. In 2001, with Roy Keane putting in Man of the Match performances, Ireland went undefeated against international soccer heavyweights Portugal and the Netherlands, famously knocking out the Dutch to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea.
[edit]

The Saipan Incident

During the summer of 2002, at a pre-World Cup training camp in Saipan, Keane and Ireland manager Mick McCarthy had a disagreement about the FAI preparations for the World Cup. Keane's dissatisfaction with the Irish preparations first came to light in an interview with Irish Times journalist Tom Humphries. Keane later alleged in his autobiography that he felt the Irish fans were "mocked" by the "lax attitude" the Irish FA took towards the preparations. After a team meeting at which McCarthy accused Keane of feigning injury, Keane is thought to have responded by insulting McCarthy and questioning his abilities as a manager, although Keane denied this in his autobiography. McCarthy decided he had no option but to send Keane home - although Keane himself had first quit the squad before being talked around by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. Neither during or after the meeting did any other player voice support for Keane, although it's thought that some later conferred their support to him in private. Despite efforts from both the media and prominent Irish politicians, the two were unable to resolve the matter, and Keane missed out on the World Cup and stated that he would not play again for the Republic of Ireland under Mick McCarthy.

The appointment of Brian Kerr as Ireland manager in 2003 eventually led to the controversial return of Keane in the international arena in 2004. He made his International return on May 25, 2004 in a friendly match against Romania at Lansdowne Road. His performances in subsequent matches made him a firm favourite among fans once more. He helped Ireland draw away with France and Switzerland in their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

On 14 October 2005, following Ireland's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany in 2006, Keane announced his retirement from international football.

Bio curtsey of Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_keane

 

Ryan Joseph Giggs




born 29 November 1973 in Cardiff, Giggs is a football player also reknowned worldwide as arguably being one of the greatest wingers of all time in the game. Giggs currently plays for Manchester United- where he is the most decorated and one of its longest serving players in history. Giggs had played for the England Schoolboys (which all schoolboys in England are eligible for, regardless of nationality) team, but plays for the Welsh national team as an adult, once holding the Guinness World Record for being the youngest player to ever play for Wales.

Giggs is the most decorated footballer in the history of Manchester United, having won eight Premier League championships (a record he shares with Liverpool's Alan Hansen, Phil Neal and Kenny Dalglish), one Champions League and four FA Cup titles. He has also won the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice, making him the first player to win the award consecutively- a feat matched only by Robbie Fowler that remains unsurpassed till today. Giggs holds other records including being the top all time scorer in the FA Premier League not to play in the position of striker, and interestingly, holds the record for scoring Manchester United's fastest goal (15 secs), set in November 1995 against Southampton.

Giggs had his beginning with Manchester City and was signed as a young 14 year old by the club after being spotted on the streets of Manchester. Giggs' talent was so mercurial that Alex Ferguson literally made it a point to go down to the boy's house, knock on his door and urge him to sign for United instead, waving YTS Scheme forms with the opportunity to turn professional in three years in front of the boy, who grabbed at the chance of a lifetime. The rest is history, as they say.

Indeed, so profound was Giggs' talent, so much so that even the England Under-21 coaches like Lawrie McMenemy ensured a check on whether he was eligible to play for the nation. Contrary to popular opinion, Giggs could not have played for the full England national side. He could only play for the English Schools team because he went to school there. In order to play for the England national team, he would have had to be born in England or have had English parents or grandparents. However, both his parents and all four grandparents are Welsh. Giggs has often been secretly wished for by England supporters as the dream left-sided answer to the problem of the very generation of his - lack of world class left wing talent in England during the 1990s.

A left-sided winger who occasionally plays as a supporting striker for United, Giggs shot to superstardom in Britain in 1992 as one of the most exciting talents in the history of the game when he was just barely 18, and had earned the tag of 'Boy Wonder', and in one description by the tabloids, the 'boy who converted a million innocent teeange hearts into United fans'. He was arguably the first ever teenage soccer poster boy to have garnered such attention last seen since the likes of George Best, a player Giggs was ceaselessly compared to, and who, alongside Bobby Charlton personally went down to United's training sessions at the Cliff specifically to watch Giggs work his magic. Giggs' form in the years ahead was breathakingly scintillating to say the least, earning him the two aforementioned PFA Young Player of the Year awards and admirers continent wide as well as around the world. Even players like Roberto Baggio described Giggs as the most exciting British footballer they'd seen in years.

As an added bonus, Giggs also scored in the marketing department, with the result of his boyish good looks making him a hit with fans and unsurprisingly, a teen icon whom the media tabloids and modelling agencies sought relentlessly, with his fame comparable with the likes of Pop Stars at the time like Take That. In 1994, the BBC described Giggs as "one of the most photographed persons" in Britain. Giggs or 'Giggsy' as he was known, was also hailed as one of the at the time nascent FA Premier League's biggest stars and could oft be found as the picturebook merchandising icon of the league's early years in marketing itself globally (along with Jamie Redknapp and Lee Sharpe) and reforging its image after the hooliganism affected years of the 1980s.

Giggs turned professional in November 1990 and made his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991 as a sub for Denis Irwin. In his first full start, Giggs scored his first ever goal in a 1-0 win in the Manchester derby and collected his first piece of silverware in April 1992 as United defeated Nottingham Forest in the League Cup Final after Giggs had set up Brian McClair to score the only goal of the game.By the start of the 1992/1993 season - the first season of the nascent FA Premier League, Giggs made the left-wing position at United his own, and come into light as British football's leading prodigious talent. In the years ahead, Giggs' feats of intricate dribbling patterns weaved to delightfully thrill and enthuse the fans were becoming a hallmark of his game and his terrifyingly electric pace and stupendous skills were also considered by many to be way ahead of his time, earning him previously unoffered opportunities to footballers until they were at least much older and established: like that of hosting his own television show, 'Ryan Giggs' Soccer Skills', a hit with ITV and Granada in 1994. Compounded with an uncanny ability to score wonderful goals and more crucially, play architect to a huge proportion of Manchester United's goals of the 1990s scored by Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, and later Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, and with a flair unseen in the game in a long time, Giggs was often hailed as 'wizard' or 'genius' by critics and pundits alike, and according to an article in World Soccer by Stephen Thanabalan, alongside Steve McManaman was regarded as leaders of a new breed of creatively crafty new wingers in the English game that was crucial to its new image of dispensing with that of the boring long ball styles of previous generations.
Ryan Giggs in the Champions League in 2000
Enlarge
Ryan Giggs in the Champions League in 2000

The Ryan Giggs chant often heard from the fans during the Manchester United games is as follows,

"Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Running down the wing, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Can do anything, Feared by the Blues, Loved by the Reds, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs." Another chant goes, "Giggs, Giggs will tear you apart, again", adapted from the Joy Division song 'Love will tear us apart'. Giggs was also reknowned for scoring some of the best goals yet seen in the game and always had special celebrations with team-mates like good friends Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis. Strikes of his were constantly in the shortlists of spectacular goals for the season and tended to be memorable, particularly the ones against Queens Park Rangers in 1993, Tottenham Hotspur in 1994, Everton in 1995 and Coventry City in 1996.

By the late 1990s, with the emergence of Giggs' fellow fledgling young colleagues like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt, Giggs seemed to have been around for ages. Giggs' popularity in the fame and looks' departments gradually dissipated over those years, as he aged significantly, but alas his football skill was still marked genius, and he developed into a more mature senior player by the time United won their record breaking and unprecedented "Treble" in 1999, with Giggs' goals and form in the competitions a major force in the side, as with his contributions United brought down Juventus and other huge continental rivals. It was in this super season that Giggs' scored his finest goal. It came in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal, where his extra-time solo run from the half-way line, dribbling past five players, won the match for his team. Giggs later knocked the ball into the path for Teddy Sheringham to score the equaliser in the UEFA Champions League Final and set United on their way to the treble. Giggs was the left winger in the side when they won the Intercontinental Cup that year as well and Giggs had etched himself into Manchester United's ranks of Legends.
[edit]

The Latter Years

Giggs had seen the team evolve since United's rejuvenation a decade earlier and became the most experienced and senior player at United when Denis Irwin left. According to a BBC Sport article in 2003, "the trajectory of Giggs' United career follows that of the club almost exactly". Giggs' form in the years after the achievements of 1999 were reflective of Manchester United's dominance of the English game up till 2003(when the club won its last FA Premier League title)- with Giggs still relishing his left wing slot, United won the League title four times within those years, and had always made the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals.

Giggs celebrated his 10-year anniversary at Old Trafford with a testimonial match against Celtic at the start of the 2001/02 campaign, while a year later he bagged his 100th career goal in a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In 2003, Giggs missed a clear cut scoring opportunity in an FA Cup game against their biggest rivals of those years, Arsenal, in a match that later gained infamy for the David Beckham and Alex Ferguson break up, but managed to win the FA Cup once more in 2004, making him the only player in history to have won the trophy four times, and finished runners-up twice.
Ryan Giggs in the later years
Enlarge
Ryan Giggs in the later years

Playing in a victory over Liverpool in September 2004 saw Giggs become only the third player to play 600 games for United alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes. Giggs was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to the English game. During the first half of the 2004-05 season, Giggs was linked in transfer speculation with Newcastle United, a club his best-friend at United, Nicky Butt, had left for. However, no move was made before the transfer window closed on 31 January 2005. In that season, Giggs still managed to churn out a 'masterclass performance' (in the words of Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler) when given the chance, and together with the old guard of Paul Scholes, looked to be the epitome of the football saying 'form is temporary, but class is permanent'. After that season, Giggs signed a two-year extension with Man United, after chairman David Gill relented on his normal policy of not signing players over 30 to deals longer than one year. The extension, which runs through July 2008, will effectively keep him at Old Trafford for the remainder of his playing career. Giggs has reinvented himself as age caught and still catches on but amazingly still is contributing positively to the Manchester United cause even after all his team-mates like David Beckham and Roy Keane had left the club over the years, playing role model to even the latest batch of talents at the club like Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Giggs is used today as an example, alongside Gary Neville and David Beckham as a model professional for young players with hot tempers, such as Wayne Rooney to follow. This is largely due to his upbringing by United manager Alex Ferguson, who sheltered the player since developing him, and now it remains to be seen whether Giggs outstays his career mentor at the club or vice versa.


Profile courtesy wikipedia

Season-------Team-----------------Games-----Goals
2004-05 Manchester United 32 6
2003-04 Manchester United 33 7
2002-03 Manchester United 36 8
2001-02 Manchester United 25 7
2000-01 Manchester United 31 5
1999-00 Manchester United 30 6
1998-99 Manchester United 24 3
1997-98 Manchester United 29 8
1996-97 Manchester United 26 3
1995-96 Manchester United 33 11
1994-95 Manchester United 29 1
1993-94 Manchester United 38 13
1992-93 Manchester United 41 9
1991-92 Manchester United 38 4
1990-91 Manchester United 2 1

* premiership numbers only

 

FULL NAME: ERIC CANTONA
DATE OF BIRTH: 24TH MAY 1966
POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6''2'

APPEARANCES GOALS

LEAGUE 142 64

FA CUP 17 10

LEAGUE CUP 6 1

EUROPE 16 5

TOTAL 181 80

HONOURS WITH UNITED:
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1997 F.A. Premier League[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1996 F.A. Cup[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1996 F.A. Premier League[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1994 F.A. Cup [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1994 F.A. Premier League[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1993 F.A. Premier League[/FONT]

PROFILE:

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Eric Cantona was perhaps the most influential footballer in English footballer of the 1990s. A player of true vision and creativity, worthy of that now, much over-used word, "genius". His passing, innovation and influence was unrivalled, he could split a defence with the sort of pass that only he could create. Eric had an exhilarating array of skills, back-heels, stylish flicks, turns and lobs combined with immaculate ball control and touch.

His shooting from long-range was superb while one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he was ice cool and clinical. If opposing defenders lost concentration for a millisecond, it would be enough for Cantona to punish them and set the Reds on the way to another vital victory. Together with a sometimes unpredictable Gallic temperament, Cantona was a one-man footballing phenomenon.

Cantona was a unique character, a one-off, but Manchester United and Eric was a match made in heaven. When Alex Ferguson stunned everyone in English football with the deal of the decade that aquired him from Leeds, few knew the impact Eric would make. Most United fans thought he was no more than a strengthening of the squad, but a few months later it became clear that Cantona was by far the most important player at Old Trafford. From the moment he walked through the door he realised there was at last the platform he was looking for, huge potential, huge support and a working assumption that only the best is good enough. And Eric Cantona knew he was the best.[/FONT]



THE CATALYST FOR SUCCESS:

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]He was the final piece of Alex Ferguson's jigsaw in creating a team to end United's 26 year wait for a league title. Within a short while of his arrival, such was his powerful influence that the whole United team revolved around the mercurial Frenchman. With Cantona and United playing the most attractive football of the 90's they not only ended that 26 year wait and went on to do the League and Cup Double in 1994 and 1996 with another Premier League title in 1997.[/FONT]



THE FRENCH REBEL:

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Cantona had numerous problems with discipline during his career in France, sendings off and tantrums prevented him making a real impact. Born in Paris, he was brought up in Marseille and made his first-team debut for Auxerre, a local club, in 1983. He signed professional forms for Auxerre in June 1986 and made his full International debut in 1987 against West Germany. After 81 league games and 23 goals for Auxerre he signed in 1988 for French champions Marseille for £2.3 million where he won the League and Cup double in 1989. However, after a row when he angrily threw his shirt to the ground he was loaned to out Bordeaux, before signing for Montpellier, with whom he won the French Cup in 1990. He returned to Marseille again, then was sold for £1 million to Nîmes where he became Captain.

His rebellious behaviour forced him to leave after arguments with managers, referees, and team-mates. In August 1988, he insulted the French national team manager on television and was banned from the national side for a year. After he threw the ball at a referee in while playing for Nîmes he was banned for three matches. In the disciplinary hearing that followed an annoyed Cantona went up to three members of the French FA and shouted "Idiot!" in each of their faces. This led to a two month ban and Eric announced his retirement from football in December 1991, it would be only temporary however. Cantona returned in England and made a low-key return briefly at Sheffield Wednesday before joining Leeds United in February 1992 - in time to make 15 league appearances and help Leeds win the Championship at Manchester United's expense.

He became an idol of the Leeds fans as they sang the terrace chant "Ohh-Ahh-Cantona". Then suddenly in November 1992 after 13 appearances into the new season, he was sensationally transferred to Manchester United for the comparatively small sum of £1.2 million. It was to be one of the biggest bargains in British football history. Cantona inspired United to their first League title for 26 years in 1993 and the following year another title with the FA Cup - to complete the club's first Double. He also won the recognition of his fellow professional's, winning the PFA Player of the Year award in 1994 and had also risen to become Captain of the French National team.


[/FONT]

MANCHESTER UNITED'S GREATEST IDOL:

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]At Leeds, Cantona was an idol, at Manchester United he was a God. Fans worshipped him the like of which Old Trafford had not seen or may ever see. He was hailed as "Eric the King" with the French red, white and blue colours as prevalent at Old Trafford than the normal red, white and black. Even to this day 3 years after his departure fans still sing his name. No United player has ever had such a relationship with his fans. Eric was a player to be proud of and symbol of a resurgent Manchester United in the 1990s. He encapsulated what United fans think of our club: different, better. Memorable Cantona moments? Well, there are many: A stunning volley against Wimbledon in the FA Cup 5th Round 1994, his pair of penalty kicks that sunk Chelsea in the Cup Final of the same year, a brilliant chip against Sheffield United in the 3rd Round the following year. Then there was his individual effort against QPR in October 1993, scoring two goals against Man City in both derbies of the 93-94 season, his crucial winner at Newcastle in March 1996, his superb strike versus Arsenal that same month, his winning goal in the 1996 FA Cup Final, a delicate lob against Sunderland in December 1996.......the list could go on and on. [/FONT]

CONFIDENCE SUPREME:

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]When Eric was playing you always knew that when it mattered, United would win. Cantona would install in the rest of the team an unbeatable confidence. His presence alone was enough. Footballers need self-belief but Eric Cantona had unfathomable reserves of the stuff. His arrogance had upset colleagues in the past, but at United it only inspired them. Eric really did intimidate opponents and wind-up opposing fans. There was his confident Gallic strut with his chest puffed out, or sometimes he'd stand with hands on hips gesturing like a movie Director. Not forgetting the way his shirt collar was always famously turned up. He was truly fascinating to watch but Cantona was no ordinary footballer. He liked philosophy, poetry, art, drama - this all added to his enigmatic character and reputation.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]L'ENFANT TERRIBLE:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]In the infamous "Kung-foo kick" Cantona's volatile state of mind led to him attacking an abusive spectator. A court sentence of 120 hours' community service was accompanied by a world-wide ban on Cantona playing football until October 1995. The French FA stripped him of captaincy of the national team and Cantona would never play for his country again. In his absence United lost the League by a point to Blackburn, a title they surely would have won had he not been banned. Cantona's grace in accepting his punishment largely restored his popularity and he was voted the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for 1996. 1996 was Cantona's greatest year in which as Captain he led United to the Double, almost single-handedly. Scoring a string of vital match winning goals, including the FA Cup-final winner against Liverpool. Cantona also played a vital role in the shaping and teaching of United's young players such as Beckham, Scholes and Giggs.[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]THE SHOCK RETIREMENT:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]In 1996-97 Cantona had a good season but failure to get to the European Cup Final and the emergence of United's young stars led him to suspect his powers were on the wane. In June 1997 after winning the League title he stunned the footballing world and left United fans gutted by announcing his retirement. Eric did not want to be remembered as an ageing player past his best, he wanted to always be remembered at his magnificent prime, a winner. Cantona instead planned to take up a different stage, amazingly, as a film actor. He did however return for one final game in the famous red shirt, playing in the Munich Memorial game in November 1998. A year later Eric returned for Alex Ferguson's Testimonial in which he played with a United legends team alongside Bruce, Pallister, Hughes, Robson and Schmeichel. Even after the Treble winning heroics, Cantona's popularity with the United fans was still as strong as it ever was. The acting career path has so far not been a huge success and Cantona has returned to the game representing France in the shape of professional Beach football - and his superb skills are still very evident. In May 2001 Manchester United announced Cantona would return to Old Trafford in an informal role to coach the youth team and younger players. If it is successful, perhaps he may yet have another role to play in the club's history.
[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]THE LEGEND:[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][FONT=Arial,Helvetica][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]As unexpectedly as he had arrived he was gone. The King had abdicated and his throne was empty. Consequently, Alex Ferguson reshaped his team to play more as a unit and not revolve around Cantona. United never really did replace him, there was no-one like him and no-one would ever be like him. A true great and legend, Eric "The King" Cantona, we will probably never see his like again.

[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]courtesy of manutdzone.com, wikipedia, and fussballdaten.
[/FONT]

 

When Alex Ferguson paid Oldham Athletic £650,000 for Denis Irwin in 1990 he surely made one of the great transfer bargains in modern football history. Manchester United got eleven years of solid professionalism and reliability from the quiet man from Cork, in return he has amassed a list of honours few will ever equal compare with - 15 major trophies including 7 Premiership titles and 3 FA Cups. Denis began his career at Leeds United before moving to Oldham Athletic.
At Old Trafford in the 1990/91 season, Irwin played at right back but was soon moved to left back the following season with the purchase of Paul Parker. Irwin fitted into the position and that is were he remained for the rest of his career. He soon made the role his own at International level, making his debut for Ireland in 1990 against Morocco and playing in the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Irwin was a skilful attacking full-back, deloying swerving crosses and clever overlapping runs. He also had one of the most powerful shots in the game and scored some great goals in his time - In 1993 a 25 yarder in the 1-0 win at Coventry, 1994 - his mazy dribble and finish against Wimbledon in the FA Cup 5th round and in 1993 his free-kick against Liverpool at Anfield. In fact, up until the arrival of David Beckham he was United's first choice free-kick taker.

Denis always gave a very solid performance, so much so that he rarely ever had a bad game. Importantly he was always cool-headed on the big occasions. As the 1990's progressed success came to Old Trafford and Irwin quietly went about his business whilst collecting the medals. Even in the 1998-99 season, the onset of advancing years was never noticeable and it was business as usual for Irwin who was consistent and reliable as ever. At 33 Denis was as good, if not better than he'd ever been.

United's inability to find a consistent penalty taker led to him having to take responsibility for 4 of United's 5 penalties that season. His only blemish was his outrageous sending off by Referee Elleray at Anfield, which cost him a place at Wembley FA Cup Final with Newcastle because of suspension. That aside, it was another flawless season topped off with him appearing in the Champions League Final win over Bayern Munich to complete the famous 1999 treble.




The following seasons were more of the same, although Ferguson did rest Irwin for more games than in previous years in place of Mickael Silvestre. In 2000, January Irwin announced his retirement from International football to focus more on United and help prolong his playing days. He also gave the penalty taking duties to Paul Scholes on a number of occasions. Denis had his testimonial against Manchester City and he was made honouree captain for the day by Sir Alex Ferguson on his 500th appearance for United (includes Charity Shields), at Old Trafford against Leicester on St Patrick's Day 2001.
By 2002 aged 36, his advancing years had finally caught up with him and Denis made his final United appearance at Old Trafford on 12th May 2002, where he was again made captain for the day. Unwilling to give up playing just yet, Irwin made a switch in July 2002 to the team he had supported as a boy, 1st Division Wolverhampton Wanderers. And he must have made an impact as Wolves won promotion to the top flight for the first time since 1984.

Reliable and versatile, Denis Irwin has been a regular at club and for the Irish Republic for nearly a decade, the epitome of consistency, turning in solid performance after solid performance. Of Alex Ferguson's victories at United, Irwin has been there for them all except the 1990 FA Cup win. With an awesome list of honours, Irwin's place in United history is secure - he will be a tough act to follow.

Irwin's United Record
1990-2002

Appearances: 499 Goals: 18

Honours with United

2001 F.A. Premier League
2000 F.A. Premier League
1999 Intercontinental Cup
1999 European Champions League
1999 F.A. Cup
1999 F.A. Premier League
1997 F.A. Premier League
1996 F.A. Cup
1996 F.A. Premier League
1994 F.A. Cup
1994 F.A. Premier League
1993 F.A. Premier League
1992 League Cup
1991 European Super Cup
1991 European Cup Winners Cup

Courtesy: manutdzone, wikipedia

 

I draft Wayne Rooney


Profile:

Full name Wayne Mark Rooney
Nickname(s) Roonaldo
El Blanco Pelé
Shrek
Date of birth 24 October 1985
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Current club Manchester United
Position(s) Forward
Youth club(s)
? –2002 Everton
Professional club(s)*
2002–2004
2004– Everton 67 (15)
Manchester United
57 (22)
National team**
2003– England 18 (9)

Wayne Mark Rooney (born October 24, 1985, Liverpool, Merseyside, England) is widely considered to be one of the leading young talents in world football - in September 2005 he was selected by his fellow professionals as the inaugural FIFPro World Young Player of the Year. He currently plays for Manchester United and the England national football team as a second striker, although the 2005/06 season has seen Rooney playing both centrally and on the left and right flanks. He wears the number 8 shirt for his club, vacated by Nicky Butt, and is generally given the number 9 for his country.

Rooney was brought up in a suburb of eastern Liverpool called Croxteth, where he and his two brothers attended De La Salle School.

Although he has been under an intense media spotlight since first arriving on the scene in 2002, it was not until his performances at the Euro 2004 that he gained a reputation on the world stage, as he spearheaded the English attack, scoring 4 goals - England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson compared his impact to that made by the legendary Brazilian Pelé at a similar age during the 1958 World Cup (this comparison has led to him being nicknamed "El Blanco Pelé" - the white Pelé - by some United fans). Other commentators have compared him to Manchester United legends, Duncan Edwards and Eric Cantona. Comparisons to former Argentine star Diego Maradona are not unknown.

He is currently the youngest player ever to play for the senior England team, making his debut on February 12, 2003, aged 17 years, 111 days. England's youngest ever player previous to this was James F. M. Prinsep of Clapham Rovers, who made his debut almost one and a quarter centuries before, on April 5, 1879, aged 17 years, 253 days. Rooney is also the youngest England scorer ever (17 years, 317 days).

Rooney gained national prominence in October 2002 when he became the youngest* goal scorer in the history of the Premiership at 16 years and 360 days of age, while playing for Everton. His spectacular goal was a last-minute winner against the then-League champions Arsenal that consigned them to their first league defeat in almost a year. Coincidentally, Wayne Rooney also played a huge role in ending Arsenal's record unbeaten run, winning a penalty and scoring the second goal, in Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Arsenal in October 2004 - Arsenal's first Premiership defeat in 50 games. At the end of 2002 he won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Young Personality award.

* This record has since been surpassed twice; firstly by James Milner, aged 16 yrs 357 days, while playing for Leeds on 26 December 2003. secondly by James Vaughan, aged 16 yrs 271 days while playing for Everton on 10 April 2005, making him the youngest Premiership goal scorer to date (Feb 2006).

Personal life
Rooney has rarely been out of the media spotlight since his emergence, and has received criticism for his relationship with fiancée Colleen McLoughlin, who is often featured in the tabloid press for her notorious shopping habits.

Rooney's personal life has also often been marred by accusations from the press surrounding his illicit relationships with mature prostitutes.

Charity work
Rooney has often been involved in raising money for Claire House and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, and is also noted for his role as ambassador for SOS Children UK. As a member of the Manchester United side, he also takes part in charity and promotional work for UNICEF.

 

Bryan Robson




Born: 11th Jan 1957

Nickname: Captain Marvel

Position: Central Midfield

Caps:

England 129 (1980-1990) / 26 goals

League Games for United:

England 326 (1982-1994) / 74 goals

European Cup Games:

26 (1986-2000) / 8 goals

Domestic Cup Games For United:

FA Cup 33 (1982-1994) / 10 goals

League Cup (1982-1994) / 5 Goals

Honours with United

1994 F.A. Premier League
1993 F.A. Premier League
1991 European Cup Winners Cup
1990 F.A. Cup
1985 F.A. Cup
1983 F.A. Cup

Profile

In seven years with West Brom Bryan Robson scored 39 goals in 197 league appearances but the pivotal point in his career came after Ron Atkinson left Albion to become manager of Manchester United. Almost immediately Atkinson took Robson to Old Trafford for a record £2 million and the 24 year old, from Chester-le-Street , was a revelation as skipper of his new club.

For many Bryan Robson was the perfect midfielder. He had stamina, aggression and was a fearless tackler but was also able to pass the ball with a shrewdness that belied the physical side to his game. A powerful header of the ball it was probably Bryan`s priceless scoring ability that set him apart. He scored 97 goals for Manchester United in 432 games and for England he netted 26 times, including one hat-trick, against Turkey in 1984-85, as well as a record-setting goal, against France in the 1982 World Cup Finals, after just 27 SECONDS. By the time he retired from international football Bryan was seventh in the list of England`s All-time goalscorers.

Bryan Robson won 90 caps for his country, many as captain, and would surely have topped the 100 mark were it not for the injuries that blighted his career. He had to fight to overcome a dislocated shoulder to lead his country into the 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico but further damage to the shoulder saw him led off from the opening two games of the group stage, against Portugal and Morocco . But Bryan bounced back to lead his country to the 1990 finals in Italy and he won the last of his 90 caps the following year, ironically, against Turkey .

Before he left Manchester United, in 1994, to become player-manager of Middlesbrough , he led United to their first ever `Double` of league and cup. He departed Old Trafford 12 th in the club`s All-time league appearance table, 345, and 16 th in the list of United`s league goalscorers, with 74.

His impact at `Boro was immediate and he took the club into the Premiership at the first time of asking. But the success wasn`t to last and despite reaching both domestic cup finals in 1996-97 Middlesbrough were relegated and Bryan Robson decided to call time on the career that deservedly saw him dubbed `Captain Marvel`.

Profile taken from

http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/Hall of Fame/bryanrobson.htm

 

Duncan Edwards



Full Name Duncan Edwards
Date of Birth 1st Oct 1936
Place of Birth Dudley, Worcestershire
Position Half Back
Height 6ft 3
United debut 4/4/1953
vs Cardiff (H)

Edwards's United Record 1952-1958

Appearances Goals
League 151 20
FA Cup 12 1
League Cup n/a n/a
Europe 12 0
Total 175 21


Edwards's International Record
1955-1958

18 Caps for England - 5 Goals


Honours with United

1st Div League Championship 1957
1st Div League Championship 1956

Could he have been the greatest red ever? The prodigious talent of Duncan Edwards was cruelly snatched away from the footballing world in 1958 when he was killed in the Munich air crash. However, not before he had established a reputation as one of the greatest players of his generation.

That he is rated above the likes of Charlton, Best and Law by many of the era is all the more amazing for he was just 21 years old when he died. Virtually anyone who saw him play rates him as their all-time number one. Edwards had immense physical strength coupled with superb ball control and touch.

His passing and tackling was perfect and his shooting was awe inspiring, in both power and accuracy. Not only that, in when it came to aerial battles he was fantastic at winning headers both defending and attacking. In short, Duncan Edwards was the complete player. Not only did the big Midlander possess the physical skills but his mental attitude was first class as well. Duncan had a fanatical practice regime which gave he used to maintain mastery of his technique. He had great awareness, was brave, committed and determined, yet always composed and sportsmanlike.
The great Bobby Charlton said "Duncan Edwards was the only player that made me feel inferior". Sir Matt Busby is once to have said that he believed Edwards was "the best player in the world", but he would never tell Edwards in case it unsettled him. He was world class when United had the ball and their best player when the opponents had it. At his favoured wing-half position Duncan lent steel to the defence and given half a chance would rampage into the attack with an unstoppable surging run.



Matt Busby heard of the "man-boy" playing for Wolves in 1949 and brought him to Old Trafford. Edwards began his United career in 1952, playing in the first team at the unheard-of age of 16 and within two years was playing for England. At 18 he was the youngest ever to play for England (until 1998) and managed to win 18 caps in a short space of time. Duncan helped United win two consecutive League titles in 1956 and 1957, a great achievement in an era were teams were evenly balanced and champions rarely regained their crown. Leading United's charge into Europe they stood on the verge of being the first British team to lift the European Cup and surely would, have had it not been for the tragedy at Munich. In his home town of Dudley he is commemorated in the stained-glass window of St Francis's Church and in October 1999 a statue of Edwards, resplendent in his England kit, was unveiled in the town centre.

The question will always remain, what would have happened had Edwards not lost his life at only 21? He probably would have went on to be the most capped England player ever. At times a team in himself, this ultimate all-round player would have no doubt been up there with greats such as Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Best. The fact that he never did, and the world was so cruelly robbed of such a talent remains the saddest legacy of Munich. Today, in a different world to the 1950s, Giggsy, Beckham and co are the glory boys, but anyone who saw Duncan Edwards play will tell you, he was better than them all, and that is saying something.


Manutdzone.com

 

Father Ted selects...



Rutgerus Johannes Martinius Ruud van Nistelrooij
aka
Ruud van Nistelrooy
born July 1, 1976 in Oss, North Brabant, Netherlands

An exceptional striker with an outstanding finish ability and excellent reflexes, often regarded one of the best strikers playing, he is also a regular penalty taker, and has agility and balance for his height (1.88 m, 6 ft 2 in), which is often credited to his previous training in gymnastics. For the Netherlands, van Nistelrooy has a return of a goal every other game, scoring 22 times in 44 appearances. For Manchester United, he has scored 128 goals in 148 games. Spanning his time at PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United, van Nistelrooy has scored 46 goals in 55 UEFA Champions League matches (43 in 54 excluding qualifying matches which are not officially counted by UEFA), an enviable return even for a striker.

Career in the Netherlands
Van Nistelrooy started as a midfielder for Dutch second division club-side, FC Den Bosch, but he was converted into a centre forward at SC Heerenveen in 1997. In 1998, on his 22nd birthday, he was signed by PSV Eindhoven for E6.8 million, a record sum of money for a transfer between two Dutch football clubs.

Van Nistelrooy repaid the faith by scoring 31 goals in 34 matches in his first season at PSV and being voted Dutch Player of the Year by his fellow professionals. In his second season, he notched up another 29 goals.

He was also chosen in the list of 125 greatest living footballers, chosen by Pele.

Manchester United
During his first season at Manchester United, van Nistelrooy played in 32 games and netted 23 goals and scored in a record eight consecutive FA Premier League games. He scored 10 Champions League goals and was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

During the following year, the 2002-2003 season, van Nistelrooy scored 25 Premier League goals and 14 goals in European competition while leading Manchester United to the Premier League title. He also broke the record for scoring goals in European competitions for Manchester United in this season.

Van Nistelrooy started off the 2003-2004 season in spectacular fashion, scoring twice in his first two league games. He also managed to score his 100th and 101st goals for the club against Everton at Goodison Park on 7 February 2004, as United earned a 4-3 Premiership victory.

Van Nistelrooy was selected to play for the Netherlands at Euro 2004. Prior to the team's opening match against Germany, van Nistelrooy stoked up his country's already intense rivalry with the Germans by saying that emotions would be intensified by lingering bitterness over World War II. His comments were severely criticised by the German media. During the match, he scored an acrobatic volley, one of the goals of the tournament, to silence his critics and take Holland to the next round. He shared the goal-scoring lead in the group phase with England teenage sensation Wayne Rooney, who he now plays alongside at Manchester United, and was one of only two players in the tournament to score goals in all three of their team's group matches (the other was Czech Milan Baroš).

Van Nistelrooy missed a large part of the 2004/2005 season through injury, but was still the top goalscorer in the Champions League with 10 goals. He is currently the third most prolific scorer in European Cup/UEFA Champions League together with Eusébio, with 47 goals, only behind Alfredo di Stefano and all-time leader Raúl.

At the start of the 2005/2006 season, van Nistelrooy returned to form, scoring in United's first four Premiership games. He has also maintained his place in the Netherland's starting lineup despite pressure from Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay. As of February 1, 2006, he had already netted 18 goals in the FA Premier League, making him the highest goalscorer, followed by Arsenal player Thierry Henry with 14 goals.

He has now struck up a great striking relationship with fellow Wayne Rooney, both in great form in the 05/06 season. Although as of late december, the manager Alex Ferguson has been testing a new attacking partnership including Louis Saha, although Van Nistelrooy's place looks certain.

Van Nistelrooy married Leontine Slaats on 10 July 2004.

 

DENIS LAW



PROFILE

In the 1960's when Eric Cantona was still in his cradle, Denis Law was the King of Old Trafford. When it came to scoring goals, from long-range, from headers, overhead kicks, close in poachers - Law was the master, a mercurial genius when it came to putting a ball in the back of the net. He was a player all the fans loved because he gave absolutely everything when on the pitch. This fierce Scotsman fought for everything and was afraid of nobody, few players could match this man's competitive instincts.
Of only medium height and slim in build, Law had a lions heart and a salmons leap. Always playing with his long shirt sleeves distinctively gripped in each fist, he could frequently out-jump much taller men to score with his head. Denis could score from anywhere and close in he was lethal. If the keeper fumbled he pounced and within seconds the Law-man was wheeling off, arm up in celebration. George Best said of him "Denis was the best in the business, he could score goals from a hundredth of a chance never mind half of one". As well as goal-scoring he was also an incisive passer of the ball contributing to others around him.

Ironically, Denis Law and Jimmy Greaves where born within four days of each other and both spent years as rivals and supreme entertainers. A lot of great players use their minds as much as their physical attributes. Law's most important abilities were awareness and anticipation. He always seemed to see the action slightly ahead of everyone else and with his superb reflexes he knew how to use that to deadly advantage.



He started his footballing career with Huddersfield town in 1956. After an unhappy time in Italy with Torino he joined United with a new British record transfer fee of £115,000 in August 1962. He scored two goals on his debut in 1962 and after scoring in United's FA Cup Final win of 1963, a stream of goals followed. 160 of them in only 222 games over his first five seasons. Many of them were outrageous, some seemingly impossible, but everything was done with a confident arrogant style the fans found irresistible.

Law won the European Footballer of the Year award in 1964 and captained the team on several occasions. He helped United win the league twice, 1965 and 1967, forming the legendary trio of Best, Law and Charlton. On the International scene he was a regular up front with Scotland. Law played in many a clash with England, most famously when they beat the then World Champions 3-2 at Wembley in 1967. Sadly, such was his fierce competitiveness he was sometimes injured, no more costly than when he missed the 1968 European Cup triumph because of a knee injury.
Controversially, in 1973 he was given a free transfer by Tommy Docherty but had more good times with Manchester City and Scotland. In an infamous incident at Old Trafford 1974 with United deep in trouble at the foot of the league and playing City, Law in the 85th minute half-heartedly back-heeled the ball into United's net. It won the game for City 1-0 and United were consequently relegated (although they were down regardless of the result). The devastation on Law's face after the goal showed the bond he still had with his old club. In fact, it was his last ever kick in League football as he was so downcast he retired straight after the game. The fact the United fans never blamed him for it showed their great affection and respect for him also. His career in football ended after playing for Scotland in the 1974 World Cup. Since then he's been involved in media work and works currently for Radio 5.

Denis Law will always be remembered as a great, a player to set the passions and imagination of every fan on fire. The ultimate United goal-scorer, the first and some may still maintain, King of Old Trafford.


Career summary
Clubs:

Huddersfield Town (1956–1960)
Manchester City (1960–1961)
Torino (1961–1962)
Manchester United (1962–1973)
Manchester City (1973–1974)

Honours:

FA Cup (1963)
Football League Championship (1965, 1967)
European Footballer of the Year (1964)
(Law was a Manchester United player when the team won the European Cup in 1968, but he missed the match through injury).

Inaugural Inductee of the English Football Hall of Fame (2002)

Club appearances and goals by season
In all competitions:
Season Club Appearances Goals
1956-57 Huddersfield Town 18 3
1957-58 Huddersfield Town 20 6
1958-59 Huddersfield Town 26 2
1959-60 Huddersfield Town 27 8
1959-60 Manchester City 7 2
1960-61 Manchester City 43 21
1961-62 Torino 27 10
1962-63 Manchester United 44 29
1963-64 Manchester United 41 45
1964-65 Manchester United 52 39
1965-66 Manchester United 48 24
1966-67 Manchester United 38 25
1967-68 Manchester United 27 9
1968-69 Manchester United 36 21
1969-70 Manchester United 20 12
1970-71 Manchester United 34 16
1971-72 Manchester United 41 13
1972-73 Manchester United 12 3
1973-74 Manchester City 26 12
TOTAL 587 300

Courtesy of wikipedia.com and manutdzone.com

 

STEPHEN ROGER BRUCE



PROFILE

Steve Bruce was a bedrock of Manchester United's success in the 1990's. Commanding the United back four with a reassuring presence, control and great tactical awareness, Bruce was the steady foundation upon which to build a great team. Most importantly of all, he had an unquenchable spirit and motivation often playing with injuries that would put lesser men in hospital. His bravery and courage was unrivalled, a totally committed player ready to give his all for his team, and this inspired the team-mates around him.

In his first game for United he broke his nose, not for the last time either. The big Geordie seemed to be indestructible. Alex Ferguson once joked "When he passes on I want his body for medical research, its hard to know what this man's made of". Bruce had great ball control, passing and composure and while he could be tested by cleverly deployed pace, his experience ensured that he was rarely ever caught out.

He also boasted a very high scoring rate for a centre half with his 19 goals (including 11 penalties) in 1990/91 and a total of 51 goals in 407 games, roughly a goal every eight games. His most famous goal-scoring moment will always be the 2 goals he scored against Sheffield Wednesday in the dying minutes of injury time at the end of the 1993 season.

With United 1-0 down, Bruce saved United's title hopes with two amazing headed goals, sending Old Trafford into delirium and setting United on course for their first title in twenty six long years. Not only that, the legendary footballing adage of the 1990's was born - "Man Utd always score in the last minute". There can be no doubt it was because of the determination and drive of players like Steve Bruce, that headlines from then on would often read "United in last gasp victory".


He started his career at Norwich City and was bought by United in December 1987 for £800,000 saying "I'd crawl all the way from Norwich to Manchester for the chance to play for United". Alex Ferguson wisely decided to build his team from the bottom up and Bruce was to be a key component in United's rebuilding. While his club career was a string of successes the only blot on his record is his lack of international recognition. The United Captain only won U21 caps when he obviously should have won full caps. Bruce is probably England's best ever uncapped player, and Bobby Robson has since admitted this glaring mistake. He could have played for Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland had he not been disqualified by an England youth appearance.

After leaving United, he played with Birmingham City for a spell before moving into management with Sheffield United. He was unsuccessful with The Blades and moved for a brief period in charge of Huddersfield Town. Bruce then moved to Crystal Palace and after some controversy, he left them to return to Birmingham City in 2001, this time as manager. He was an immediate sucess at St Andrews, in his first season he took the club up into the Premiership. Few would doubt that Brucey would love to return to Old Trafford as manager one day and repeat the success he had as a player.

Steve Bruce is Manchester United's most successful captain of all-time, having led the team to 3 League titles, the 1992 league cup and the 1994 FA Cup. A true leader that any great team would be proud to have, there can be no doubting the significance of his role in Manchester United's success over the last decade.


Career Summary

Bruce's United Record 1987-1996
Appearances Goals
League 312 36
FA Cup 41 3
League Cup 31(2) 6
Europe 23(1) 6
Total 401(3) 51

Honours with United
1996 F.A. Cup
1996 F.A. Premier League
1994 F.A. Cup
1994 F.A. Premier League
1993 F.A. Premier League
1992 League Cup
1991 European Cup Winners Cup
1990 F.A. Cup

Courtesy of manutdzone.com

 

Father Ted second round selection is

He scores goals
He's Paul Scholes:



Paul Scholes (born November 16, 1974, in Salford, Greater Manchester) is an English football player who has spent his whole career at Manchester United.

With his distinctive head of ginger hair (he is sometimes referred to as "The Ginger Prince") Paul Scholes has been one of the most influential players at Manchester United for the last decade and a key component in United's success during this period. He is an attacking midfielder par excellence. He scores vital goals at vital times, and he times his runs into the box as well as any midfielder playing the game today. Scholes has often been described as the most natural finisher at United during his time there, but he also possesses a thunderous shot that has led to many spectaclular long-range goals. United fans frequently sing (to the tune of Kumbaya) "Paul Scholes, he scores goals" during matches. He is also known for his extremely erratic tackling. This dubious facet of his game has seen him booked and occasionally sent off in numerous important matches, as he invariably plays the man and not the ball.

Salford-born Scholes joined Manchester United as a trainee on leaving school in the summer of 1991 and in his first season guided the club to victory in the F.A. Youth Cup. He did not make his breakthrough into the Old Trafford team until the 1994-95 season, when he made 17 league appearances and scored five goals. The 20-year-old Scholes proved himself to be a promising understudy for the likes of Eric Cantona and Andy Cole. In the F.A. Cup final he twice came close to scoring goals which would have seen United and not Everton win the F.A. Cup.

Scholes was unable to secure a regular first team place until the 1997-98 season, when he played in midfield after the ninth game when Roy Keane was ruled out by injury. He had already made his England debut the previous summer in a 2-1 friendly win over South Africa at Old Trafford, and was part of the England squad for the 1998 World Cup.

In 1998-99, Scholes was a key player in Manchester United's Premiership title, F.A. Cup and UEFA Champions League "Treble" success. He scored one of United's two goals against Newcastle in the F.A. Cup final but was ruled out of the Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich through suspension, brought about by a yellow card received in the semi-final away tie against Juventus. He also managed a hat-trick for England in a game against Poland.

Since then, Paul Scholes has established himself as an excellent midfielder at both club and international levels but announced his retirement from international football in August 2004, stating that club football was of the utmost priority and that he vowed to excel with the team that had seen the highs and lows of English football with him, though part of the reason could have been him being asked to play on the left for England during Euro 2004, which was not suited to his free-flowing, passing and penetrating game. England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed that he repeatedly tried to coax Scholes out of international retirement but was rebuffed each time. Most observers now agree he has been one of the most exciting midfielders in the modern game. He is also considered as one of the greatest midfielders of all time for England and Manchester United by many. He has averaged double digits in goals scored per season for his whole career and is well equipped in his heading too, despite being only 1.7m tall.

In ten years as a first team player at Manchester United, Paul Scholes has won six Premiership titles, three F.A. Cups, the European Cup and the Inter-Continental Cup, amongst many other personal accolades.

He has been ruled out for the rest of the current season with unexplained blurred vision.

 

Full Name Jaap Stam
Date of Birth 17th July 1972
Place of Birth Kampen, Holland
Position Central Defender
Height 6ft 3
United debut 12/8/1998
vs LKS Lodz (H)
.....
Stam's United Record 1998-2001

Appearances Goals
League 79 1
FA Cup 7(1) 0
League Cup 0 0
Europe 32 0
Total 118 (1) 1

Stam's International Record
1996-2001

38 Caps for Holland - 3 Goals
..
Honours with United

2001 F.A. Premier League
2000 F.A. Premier League
1999 European Champions League
1999 F.A. Cup
1999 F.A. Premier League


In 1994, Jaap Stam began his football career with Dutch club Cambuur Leeuwarden. His home town of Kampen resides in a very religious region of Holland that forbids sport on Sundays, so Stam had to move from the area to FC Zwolle to really kick-start his career.
A move later to Dutch 1st Division side Willem II was the turning point of his career. Several brilliant performances for them attracted the attention of Holland's biggest clubs. In 1996, PSV Eindhoven bought him and he won his first international cap in the same year. Stam was a regular in the orange shirt ever since.

Europe's top clubs began to take notice of Stam and in 1998, Manchester United paid a world record fee for a defender, £10.6 million, to bring him to Old Trafford. This was a dream move for Jaap, to the club he supported as a boy and came just three months after he was named Holland's Footballer of the Year. The year got even better during the summer, as he played in the semi-finals of the World Cup, although sadly the Dutch eventually lost to Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

After a shaky start, once he'd settled in at United, many of his performances were pure class. Strong, powerful, a brilliant ball-winner, at United Stam was one of, if not the best defender in the world. He was, as Johan Cryuff once described "a one man defence".

Stam could make the most vital of goal saving tackles. When he went in to win the ball he did it 9 times out of 10, probably because there can be few players in the world to match his immense physical strength. A fantastic awareness and reading of the game meant he could often break down attacking threats before they became more dangerous.



He had many great performances in the treble winning year where he patrolled the defence with an awesome presence. In short, Stam was a defensive giant and key to United's treble success. The fans loved him too, he became very popular and they made up a song "Jip ****** Stam is a big Dutchman". In the following season 1999-2000 it is fair to say Stam's excellence was somewhat hindered by incompetence not of his own making. The United defence was unsteadied by the continual interchanging of goalkeepers while Stam did not have a consistent centre back partner all season and had to make up for the errors of young Mikael Silvestre.

These uncertainties did make it harder for Stam and a bad achilles injury meant he missed the middle of season 2000-2001. However, United's defence was much improved throughout the year as the team became the meanest in the Premiership conceding only 31 goals. In his time he had a variety of players beside him, Johnsen, Berg, Silvestre, May, Neville, Brown but as Sir Alex Ferguson once said "It will always be Jaap Stam and AN Other".
Jaap Stam stood head and shoulders above the rest as the best defender in the England.... that was until August 2001. Stam published extracts from a his autobiography "Head to Head" in which he criticised team-mates, accused Sir Alex Ferguson of "tapping him up" while at PSV and telling United players to dive in the penalty box. Sir Alex was said to be "incandescent with rage" but few predicted what would follow. Only a week into the new season Stam was sold to Lazio for roughly £16 million.

Ferguson claimed Stam had not recovered from his achilles injury, he had lost pace, mobility and that the money was too good to turn down. Stam was totally stunned and bitterly angry at what amounted to being booted out of the club. He said the book was to blame for his exit. Fans divided into those who backed Ferguson's footballing reasons and those who claimed the Scotsman was reacting purely to the betrayal of Stam's book. We perhaps will never know the truth, but there might have been a bit of truth in both sides. Only time will tell if Ferguson made the right decision to sell Jaap Stam, but fans will prefer to forget the sour end to his United career. The big Dutchman will always be remembered as a superb player who played a decisive part in the club's greatest moment.

manutdzone.com

 

Paul Ince



Born: 21st October 1967

Nickname: The Guv'nor

Position: Central Midfield

Caps:

England 53 (1980-1990) / 2 goals

Apperances for United

281 Games / 30 Goals

Honours with United

1994 F.A. Premier League
1994 F.A. Cup
1993 F.A. Premier League
1991 European Cup Winners Cup
1990 F.A. Cup

Profile

Paul Ince was born in Ilford, Essex, on 21st October 1967.

He signed for West Ham as a 14 year old on associate schoolboy forms, and later as a professional.

After becoming a popular and established player in the West Ham team, Paul Ince moved to Old Trafford in September 1989, in some what controversial circumstances, for £2.4 million. Although it took him a while to settle in at Old Trafford, he was in the team which won the FA Cup in 1990. Once settled, Ince became vital to the team forming the backbone of the side which won consecutive League Championships in 1993 and 1994.

Known as the 'Guvnor' to some of his team mates, he became a firm favourite with many of the supporters, who saw Ince as the new Bryan Robson. He became the link between defence and attack and his surging runs forward meant he was often among the goals. This, coupled with his precise tackling made him one of the best midfielders in the country.

During his time at United Ince was twice an FA Cup winner in 1990 and 1994, twice a League Championship winner in 1993 and 1994, a League Cup winner in 1992 and a European Cup Winners' Cup medal winner in 1991. His performances did not go unnoticed and whilst at United he won the first of his England caps. In 1993 he was made captain of the national team for the first time in the absence of the regular England captain.

His departure from Old Trafford in the summer of 1995, to Inter Milan, did not bode well with the United fans - many of whom were upset at seeing yet another favourite leave United (the others being Andrei Kanchelskis and Mark Hughes).

Whilst at Inter Milan, Ince played in the 1997 UEFA Cup Final only to see his team lose on penalties. The Cup Final proved to be his last game for Inter and in the 1997 close season Ince signed for United's arch rivals Liverpool where he became captain.

After two seasons in Merseyside, Ince moved to Middlesbrough to link up with former team mate Bryan Robson, in January 1999.

Profile courtesy of
Manutd.com
http://www.manutd.com/bio/bio.sps?iBiographyID=3076

 

I draft Gary Pallister

Full Name Gary Pallister
Date of Birth 30th Aug 1965
Place of Birth Ramsgate
Position Central Defender
Height 6ft 4
United debut 30/8/1989 vs Norwich (H)

Honours with United
1997 F.A. Premier League
1996 F.A. Cup
1996 F.A. Premier League
1994 F.A. Cup
1994 F.A. Premier League
1993 F.A. Premier League
1992 League Cup
1991 European Cup Winners Cup
1990 F.A. Cup​

Gary Pallister possessed all the attributes of a superb centre-back. He had excellent aerial ability and domination, he had pace as quick as any striker and he had good ball control (especially for someone so tall). For nearly six years his partnership with Steve Bruce became almost legendary, a defensive duo United may never be able to better, such was the communication and understanding between the two at the heart of United's defence. Pally was Britain's most expensive defender at one time, £2.3 million and he proved to be a gem worth every penny.

He was born in Ramsgate on 30th June 1965. and after playing for non-league Billingham Town, Pallister was spotted by Middlesbrough where he spent four years with the club he had supported as a child. During his time at Ayresome Park, the Teeside club were suffering from financial difficulties and a local businessman paid Gary Pallister's wages when the club were unable to pay them.

In August 1989 Pallister was transferred to Manchester United for a then record fee of £2.3 million. After a dodgey start in which the transfer fee seemed to affect his form he began to put in the great performances he would become known for.

Pallister went from strength to strength and has formed the backbone of Manchester United's defence for nine years. With United he won a major trophy in all but one season, 1994-95. A total of ten major honours: Three F.A. Cup's, four League Championships, the League Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup and the European Super Cup. This record was only recently bettered by Dennis Irwin. In 1992 he was voted the PFA Player of the Year and had become a regular full England international

It can no coincidence that Gary Pallister's arrival at Manchester United coincided with the start of the club's most successful period ever. His pace, and aerial ability coupled with composed determination meant any opponent would have to play out of their skin to get past him. Many opponents under-estimated Pallister's pace and as he timed his tackles brilliantly it meant he was rarely booked. The big man gained a notorious reputation in training, Ryan Giggs said of Pallister: "He was a terrible trainer, he'd moan about everything and in five-a-sides he'd just stand up front doing nothing. We still have the 'I've had a Pally' T-Shirt to remember him by!".
In July 1998 Pallister completed a £2.5 million move back to his old team Middlesbrough, but not because of any serious decline in standards in his game. A recurring back injury not helped by United's heavy schedule limited the amount of games he could play in, so perhaps reluctantly he moved on. When Fergie forked out the record £2.3 million in 1989 many doubted his sanity. A decade later Gary Pallister is up there with the rest of the United legends and must go down as yet another of Alex Ferguson's great player purchases.

 

David Robert Joseph Beckham



What can be written about David Beckham that hasn't already been said? Undoubtedly the most famous footballer in Britain, if not the world, Beckham is the most talked about, the most copied, the most ridiculed and the most idolised. When he changes his hairstyle or goes shopping it gets more coverage in the media than many of the wars currently raging around the world.
At Manchester United he became more than a player, he became a global sporting icon. His pop-star wife and superstar media lifestyle led to him becoming as much a celebrity as footballer. His endless stream of commercial sponsorship deals and self-promotion led to criticism of him being more a marketing brand than a sportsman.

In the end the Beckham celebrity bandwagon threatened to rival even the most famous football club on the planet. But this should not cloud the fact that once he put on the red shirt, United fans didn't care about any of it. What he did on the pitch was all that mattered. And his football talents are undeniable.

A fantastic passer and crosser of the ball, both long and short with a variety and range of passing that was quite phenomenal. One of the best in the world at hitting long, defence-splitting passes, from out on the wings or centre of midfield, his pinpoint crosses were deadly ammo for United's forwards.

Beck's created a new type of wing play, no running or dribbling was necessary for he could bypass defenders with a lethal cross into the box. Few would argue he is the world's best free-kick expert: the result of long hours spent on the training pitch honing his talents to perfection. Possessed with a ferocious shot, he can and did score many spectacular goals. Add to this a high work rate with tireless off-the-ball runs and back-tracking, constantly running and moving, full of tireless energy right to the final whistle.

Beckham a player moulded by in the image of Ferguson, determined to be a winner and fight till the final whistle. The United fans loved most of all the fact Becks was red through and through, born and bred. He was part of the spirit of the club in the mid 1990's onwards that said "the more you hate us the more we like sticking it up you and proving you wrong."

Beckham's United Record
1992-2003

348 Appearances, 84 Goals

Honours with United :

1992 F.A. Youth Cup
1996 F.A. Premier League
1996 F.A. Cup
1997 F.A. Premier League
1999 F.A. Premier League
1999 F.A. Cup
1999 European Champions League
1999 Intercontinental Cup
2000 F.A. Premier League
2001 F.A. Premier League
2003 F.A. Premier League

Courtesy: manutdzone

 

FULL NAME: NORMAN WHITESIDE

DATE OF BIRTH: 7TH MAY 1965

PLACE OF BIRTH: BELFAST

HEIGHT: 6''2'

POSITION: FORWARD/MIDFIELDER

LEAGUE APPEARANCES: 193 GOALS:37
FA CUP APPEARANCES: 24 GOALS: 10
LEAGUE CUP APPEARANCES: 26 GOALS: 9
EUROPE APPEARANCES: 11 GOALS: 1

HONOURS WITH UNITED:
1983 FA CUP
1985 FA CUP

PROFILE:

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.

*Whiteside broke Pele's record to become the youngest player to play at a World Cup when he debuted in Spain 82 for Northern Ireland.

-courtesy of manutdzone and fussballdaten.

 

Rio Ferdinand..



Full Name: Rio Gavin Ferdinand

Position: Central Defender

Date of Birth: 7th November 1978

Squad Number: 5

Place of Birth: Dulwich, London

Height: 6' 3''



South-East Londoner Rio Ferdinand began his schoolboy football years playing as a centre-forward. He later moved to central midfield and it was at Eltham Town U14 he caught the eye of the West Ham scouts. He was signed as a schoolboy, aged fourteen and at sixteen he opted to stay with the Hammers, despite interest from Middlesbrough and Chelsea.

On a two-year YTS contract as an apprentice in his now familiar role of central defender, he helped West Ham's youth team to win the South East Counties League in 1995/96 with a record number of points.

The then Hammers manager Harry Redknapp was impressed with Rio's growing ability and signed him on his first professional contract at the age of 17. Ferdinand got his first taste of senior football on 5 May 1996, on as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday at Upton Park.

The following season saw Redknapp make use of the loan system to send Rio to Bournemouth for two character-building months in the Football League. The defender made ten appearances in Division Two between 9 November 1996 and 11 January 1997, and returned to West Ham ready for his big break into the senior team.

Rio's senior West Ham debut on 25 January 1997 was a memorable one for all the wrong reasons as a shock result saw Wrexham knock the Hammers out of the FA Cup, 1-0, at Upton Park. Rio's first full Premiership starting appearance came on 1st February 1997 in a 2-1 defeat against Blackburn at Ewood Park, in which he coincidently also scored his first goal.

Rio made 152 (6) appearances for West Ham, scoring two goals and was regularly promoted as the footballing reincarnation of Bobby Moore. His reputation was that of the best young defender in the country, a supremely elegant footballer who defends with intelligence and guile, but also uses the ball when possession is gained.

He made his England debut against Cameroon at Wembley on Nov 1997 and made steady progress consolidating a place in the national team (although Kevin Keegan didn't select him for the disastrous Euro 2000 campaign).

He was catching the attention of the top clubs (including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona) but none would pay the massive outlay Redknapp insisted was required to prise Rio away from Upton Park.

That is, until Leeds United manager David O'Leary was prepared to take the gamble and pay up. O'Leary shocked the football world by smashing the British transfer record with the £18 million fee on 26th November 2000. A world record fee for such a young defender had many sceptics baffled at the huge payout. However, Rio helped the Elland Road side to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in his first season and a series of superb performances for Leeds proved it was money well spent.

Rio's second season at Leeds, 2001/02, was less successful for the team but he began to raise his game up a level. The move north undoubtedly benefited the Londoner who claimed a regular spot in the England set-up alongside Sol Campbell as the old rear-guard were phased out. With Leeds captain Lucas Radebe injured, he was made club captain. A transfer to Manchester United was suggested even before the World Cup Finals, in which Ferdinand showed that he was the best defender in the competition.


Rio's transfer value rocketed during the 2002 World Cup but Fergie and the PLC were not deterred. After weeks of constant speculation, followed by days of negotiation, they signed Rio Ferdinand for a new British record fee of £29million (plus performance related payments). United had got a world class player who at 23 had a long career ahead of him. The sum also put Rio in the position of being the world's most expensive defender again, topping the £22m that Juventus paid Parma for Lilian Thuram in 2001.

In his first season Ferdinand was solid but not outstanding. He picked up an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly with Boca Juniors, which delayed his full United debut until the 5-0 Champions League qualifying victory over Zalaegerszeg at Old Trafford. His Premiership debut came a few days later in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland and he went on to make 46 appearances through the season.

He was always going to have difficulty living up to his huge transfer fee and part of the problem was not having an established central partner. Even so, United still had the best defensive record in the Premiership so he must have been doing something right.

2003-2004 began well with Rio beginning to justify his huge transfer outlay. With his excellent defensive performances along with Mikael Silvestre, United were rock solid at the back and top of Premiership at Christmas. However, this was not to last as a cloud had been hanging over the player since September.

Rio had been ordered to take an FA drugs test at Carrington on September 23rd, but left without undergoing the procedure. Claiming he forgot because he was moving house at the time and was distracted, he went shopping in Manchester city centre. Upon discovering his blunder, Ferdinand later contacted the club to offer to take the test, but was told it was too late - the FA testers had gone. He provided a negative urine sample within 2 days but the issue was not whether he was on drugs but that he had simply missed the test.

An independent tribunal found the defender guilty of misconduct and gave him an eight month ban starting from 20 January. This meant he would miss the rest of the season and Euro 2004. United appealed against the punishment but were unsuccessful. One moment of forgetfulness set off a chain of events that the club dearly. Without Rio, United's defence fell apart from late January to mid March. The team shipped goals and dropped points with only one clean sheet in 11 (at Northampton Town).

Last season, Rio had to make up for the mistake that he could never have envisioned becoming so destructive. Making his comeback against Liverpool on 20th September he was a regular starter throughout the season, missing only seven Premiership matches and a cool presence at the back.

In late Arpril, negotiations for a new contract angered the United faithful as the defender not only asked for a reported £120,000 a week but was seen at a meeting with his agent Pini Zahavi and Chelsea's Peter Kenyon. As one of the best defender's in the world and a much prized asset, it is unlikely he will be sold any time soon. When Roy Keane doesn't play, Rio is usually awarded the captain's armband - Sir Alex clearly recognises him as the heart of his plans and still believes there is more to come.

Bio from manutdzone.com

 

Bill Foulkes
Centreback

A huge, strong centre-half, Bill Foulkes was a
Busby Babe, who survived Munich and played top flight football for nearly twenty years.He was United's wall of steel who might well have been hewn out of solid rock from the coalfields he woked in. He joined Manchester United as an amateur in March 1950, later turning professional in August 1951. In his early days Foulkes combined playing football with work at a coal mine feeling that he was not good enough to make the grade.Only when called up to the England team was he convinced to give up his job at the colliery. He made his debut for United half way through the 1952-53 season as right full-back, but later moved to his favoured position of centre-half. He enjoyed the physical side of football,being powerful in the air and competent on the floor.

As one of the survivors of the Munich air crash, Foulkes took over as captain of a depleted United team, leading them to the F.A. Cup Final at Wembley in 1958, only to end up on the losing team. In a distinguished career at Old Trafford, Foulkes won four League Championship medals in 1956, 1957, 1965 and 1967, he played three F.A. Cup finals in 1957, 1958 and 1963, collecting a winners' medal in 1963. To crown his career he won a European Cup winners' medal in 1968. In addition to this he was capped by England at both under-23 and full levels.

 

John Carey

Johnny Carey was one of United's great captains, the Roy Keane of his day. Amazingly versatile he played in every position except outside right, although his favoured position was in defence. His career from 1937-53 was interrupted by the War, however he still won the 1948 FA Cup and 1952 League title. Playing in International's for both the Republic and Northern Ireland, Carey was one of the greatest defenders of his generation.

He was born in Dublin on 23rd February 1919 and was first spotted whilst playing for local side St James' Gate by United's Dublin scout Billy Behan. At 17 he was brought to Old Trafford by United chief scout Louis Rocca for a modest fee of £250. Initially signed as an inside-left, he was in competition with another famous United player of the time, Stan Pearson, for this position. Supposedly the state of the pitch would often decide who would play.

At the age of 17 he made his debut at Old Trafford against Southampton but his career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War Two. During the War Carey served in the Middle East and in Italy and played as a guest player for various league clubs. In October 1945 he resumed his playing career with Manchester United, where he was switched to the position of full-back.

Carey was one of the outstanding defenders of his time. His innovative defensive play included clever positioning and clean tackling. Throughout a highly successful career, Carey captained United to the FA Cup in 1948 and the League Championship in 1952. Uniquely he played for both the Republic and Northern Ireland, a total of 27 and 9 times respectively. He captained the rest of Europe side which played Britain in 1947, in a fundraising match for UEFA and was voted footballer of the year in 1949.

After making 344 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 18 goals, Carey retired from football in May 1953. He was invited by the United board to a meeting where they conveyed their special thanks to him for his services and offered him a position at the club as a coach. However, in August of the same year he opted to became manager of Blackburn Rovers instead. He also went on to manage Everton, Leyton Orient and Nottingham Forest, before returning to Blackburn for a second spell as manager. Though he died on Feburary 22nd 1995 at the age of 75, Johnny Carey's place in history is secure and he will be fondly remembered for a long time to come as one of the finest players to wear the red of United. [manutdzone]