10 Underwhelming Man Utd Signings Who Became Cult Heros

4. Dennis Irwin

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.