While the Irishman may have caught the eye of Manchester United officials during Oldham Athletic's creditable domestic cup surges, but for a club with the resources of Manchester United to be scouring the old Second Division for a left-back smacked of frugality. Unsure whether a player from the lower divisions could make the grade at the Theatre of Dreams, Mancunian supporters grimaced at the thought of their newly-acquired left-back from the Second Division being torn asunder, proving him to be way out of his depth. Of course, their qualms were immediately quashed as Denis Irwin proved to be a huge success at Old Trafford during his 12 year stay at the club, gaining legendary status for his no-nonsense, committed displays. Having signed for the club in 1990 for a fee of £625,000, he went on to make 296 league appearances for the Red Devils, with a plethora of medals scooped along the way, including seven Premier Leagues and a Champions League. A dead-ball specialist and comfortable on either flank, Irwin was an integral cog in the relentless Manchester United machine of the 90s. Chipping in with 22 goals wasn't bad for a full-back either. Even in his mid-thirties, Irwin retained his place in the side, such was the inexperience of the youthful Phil Neville.