Norman Whiteside (born Belfast, 7 May 1965) is the most outstanding Northern Irish footballer since George Best.
He played with distinction for Manchester United for almost a decade and represented Northern Ireland in two World Cups. He played both as a midfielder and as a striker.
Norman began his career at Manchester United, signing professional forms in 1982 at the age of 17 and quickly becoming a key member of the side.
He scored 68 goals in 278 league and cup appearances for the club over the next seven years, picking up two FA Cup winners medals in 1983 and 1985, as well as playing in the 1982 FA Youth Cup final, the 1983 League Cup final, and the FA Charity Shield in 1983.
Norman was to United during the 80’s what Eric Cantona was during the 90’s. The minute the man set foot in the Old Trafford arena you knew a superstar had arrived.
Injuries took their toll early, however, and, after leaving United in 1989 for a brief spell at Everton, Norman was forced to retire at the age of 26.
He played with distinction for Manchester United for almost a decade and represented Northern Ireland in two World Cups. He played both as a midfielder and as a striker.
Norman began his career at Manchester United, signing professional forms in 1982 at the age of 17 and quickly becoming a key member of the side.
He scored 68 goals in 278 league and cup appearances for the club over the next seven years, picking up two FA Cup winners medals in 1983 and 1985, as well as playing in the 1982 FA Youth Cup final, the 1983 League Cup final, and the FA Charity Shield in 1983.
Norman was to United during the 80’s what Eric Cantona was during the 90’s. The minute the man set foot in the Old Trafford arena you knew a superstar had arrived.
Injuries took their toll early, however, and, after leaving United in 1989 for a brief spell at Everton, Norman was forced to retire at the age of 26.
Youngest, Youngest, Youngest!
Norman broke Pelé's record as the youngest player to take part in a World Cup, a record held to this day. He became Manchester United's youngest captain since Duncan Edwards, was the youngest player to score in a League Cup and FA Cup final, and the youngest player to score a senior goal for Manchester United. Winning 38 caps for Northern Ireland, Norman played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, and also helped his country to win the last ever British Home Championship in 1984.
After retiring as a player Norman became a podiatrist after graduating with a degree from the University of Salford, and still works at the corporate hospitality department at Old Trafford.
Legend
Norman Whiteside is a true legend. Not just among the rank and file of United fans who watched him week in week out, but he has made a major impact on the football world in general.
A lot of modern players are afforded legendary status just because they played for a top team and won lots of medals. Norman wasnt afforded that luxury, he had to earn his status the hard way. He was a fully committed individual that never shirked a challenge and always went in where it hurt. Norman was fearless and made for the big or special occasion. In fact the bigger the occasion the better big Norm was.
He inspired his team mates and the supporters cheering him on, with warrior-like performances. He gave his all to the United cause and suffered for it, but he would always bounce back for more.
Norman wasn’t just about heart and guts though, he was blessed with high levels of skill and technique. He was strong and tall, but had rare touch and skill. He was a player capable of scoring goals that only the most gifted of players could score, illustrated by his winning goal in the 1985 FA Cup final. He was lethal in the air and could shoot with both power and accuracy. He may not have been decorated with the amount of medals that latter-day United players enjoyed - but not many of the latter-day players could ever be considered in the same class as this legend.
