How good was Denis Irwin?

De Selby

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I was just browsing devilish's either/or thread and it seems that Irwin gets the nod over Gary Neville by most of the posters. Although Gaz was a fantastic player, the result wouldn't be surprising for anyone who remembers Irwin's performances for us.

In my view he was a world-class player. He had everything a full-back should have: solid in the tackle, read the game well, positional sense was spot on, he was quick and a good crosser. He also took a mean peno & was handy at free kicks.

If he had been Italian people would have creamed themselves over him.
 
Awesome and had a fantastic free kick. Never had a bad game. 7/10 guaranteed. One of the greatest signings Sir Alex ever made.
 
I can't think of a better all round full back who has played in England.

I can barely remember him making a proper error.
 
I need'nt add anything to this, youve covered it all already. And to think, he cost us literally feck all for the return we got from him.

Dennis Irwin
 
He was shit. Only the Irish rate him, a bit like Michael Collins or Seamus Heaney.
 
Sir Alex once said that pound for pound, he was the worst signing he ever made.

And to top all that off there was never any bullshit with him, just got on with playing football. Fantastic player

That was before Twitter arrived though. Look at his last tweet


@IrwinDenis3 Denis irwin

good afternoon guys. i made up my mind. see you later. thanks​
 
One of my favourite players growing up, two footed, could finish well, belter of a free kick on him, calm as you like from the spot, good crosser. One of the best left backs ever for me. Incredibly well rounded.
 
Bloody Revisionism, we all wanted him sold every season he was here.

Next we will have a John O'Shea was world class thread started by Nilsson.
 
We've had some great full backs in the Ferguson era but to me Denis was the best followed closely by Gaz.
 
He was fantastic player, Although I would give Neville the nod over Irwin at RB if I was to choose between Irwin or Evra at LB then that would have to go to Irwin.
 
Bloody Revisionism, we all wanted him sold every season he was here.

Next we will have a John O'Shea was world class thread started by Nilsson.

Wha...? :confused:
 
our best fullback since Fergie took over and more dependable than Evra

cracking free kicks and penalties
 
Nani Nana and Fort Boyard have been drinking the orange kool aid today pay them no mind. Denis Irwin to put it as subtly and politely as possible was sheer fecking class and never EVER had a bad game. I am pretty sure I saw every game that was ever televised of his United career and can hand on heart say he never had a bad game. In my humble opinion he pisses all over any other full back you can mention during his career except maybe for Maldini but Maldini wasnt an out and out full back entirely.
 
He was so well balance, a good mixture of defending and attacking. He didn't have Evra's pace or trickery, but once he got to a good position he was more likely to do something positive with the ball. Hard to think of a better full back. Some catch the eye better with their attacking play, but as an overall player, he was terrific.
 
Personally prefer Neville at RB but can understand why some say Irwin but to say easily is a bit of a outrageous claim.

He could do every single thing Neville could and more. He consistant contributed to our attacking play. Something Neville didnt always do.

Easily probably wasnt the best choice or words....clearly might suit better. Two great full backs anyway we put it...
 
You could guarantee a performance from Irwin,one of Fergie's best pound for pound signings along with Scmeichel and Eric.Never any bother with the guy,came in and did his job a lot like Scholes in that respect.He was very harshly sent off in a game at the Dippers in 99 when Elleray played up to the kop and subsequently missed the cup final.A great full back,free kick taker,crosser and scorer,would love to have him back in his prime now.
 
You could guarantee a performance from Irwin,one of Fergie's best pound for pound signings along with Scmeichel and Eric.Never any bother with the guy,came in and did his job a lot like Scholes in that respect.He was very harshly sent off in a game at the Dippers in 99 when Elleray played up to the kop and subsequently missed the cup final.A great full back,free kick taker,crosser and scorer,would love to have him back in his prime now.

Kicking the ball away very gently? That one made me mad. Kicked some furniture. Brilliant player, brilliant guy. They don't make 'em like that anymore.
 
Cracking transfer. Remember signing Paul Parker the year after we'd got Irwin to play in the same position, making no sense whatsoever. 'Til Irwin switched seamlessly to the left. Quite brilliant by Fergie.

The only fault with Irwin that I can think of is that he used to stand off his man a little bit, making sure he wasn't beaten, but allowing the cross too often. Then again I've got a thing about full-backs allowing crosses, so it might be me.
 
In terms of football ability Irwin was way ahead of Neville. That is not to say Neville didn't make up for it, and was an amzing full back. Irwin was one of the best I've ever seen, he was flawless until very near the end, quiet, unassuming and brilliant.
 
I loved Irwin growing up, my dad rated him very highly too. Two-footed, great in both attack and defence. Enormously underrated.

Alan Hansen once said that if he was picking a team of the decade (I think around the time Denis left United) that he'd have Denis Irwin at right back and Denis Irwin at left back. Obviously Hansen can be a tit, but he knows his defenders.