Manchester United legend Denis Irwin has named a “clever player” and a Ballon d’Or winner among the three most difficult opponents he faced in his career.
Denis Irwin lifted seven Premier League titles, a European Cup Winners’ Cup, a Champions League trophy, two FA Cups and a League Cup with the Red Devils.
The 59-year-old former Manchester United defender arrived at Old Trafford in 1990 from Oldham Athletic and had a prolific playing spell with the Premier League club.
Irwin made 527 appearances for United under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the Irishman was widely admired for his attacking and defensive qualities.
The United legend excelled from set-pieces like free-kicks and penalties and former Red Devils left-back Irwin was proficient on both flanks as a full-back.
Irwin left Old Trafford in 2002 and saw out the remainder of his glittering career with Wolves before hanging up his football boots in 2004.
Irwin picks three tricky opponents
Denis Irwin linked up with former Manchester United teammates Roy Keane and Gary Neville on the latest episode of The Overlap’s Stick to Football show.
During his appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Irwin was asked by fellow United legend Gary Neville about the toughest opponent he faced on the pitch.
Irwin didn’t think twice by naming former Barcelona striker Hristo Stoichkov, who captured the Ballon d’Or award in 1994, as his immediate pick.
The former Republic of Ireland international went on to name Mustapha Hadji and Liverpool legend John Barnes as two other tricky former players that he faced.
“[Hristo] Stoichkov or [Mustapha] Hadji or Johnny Barnes,” Irwin said.
“Johnny Barnes was brilliant in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. He was some player.
“And clever, a clever, clever player. All the teams had quick wingers, now John was quick but he was clever as well.
“He was clever, he could get you a goal, he was good in the air, he had a magic left foot – he was top.”
Irwin’s hilarious reaction to Stoichkov
Hristo Stoichkov had a prolific first playing spell under legendary former manager Johan Cruyff in Barcelona’s famed ‘Dream Team’ at the Camp Nou.
The 58-year-old former Barcelona star lifted five La Liga titles, a Champions League trophy, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Copa del Reys with the Spanish club.
Stoichkov beat Italy legends Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini to scoop France Football’s coveted Ballon d’Or award during the 1990s.
Irwin hilariously admitted that he was thrilled that Stoichkov was unavailable for United’s European Cup Winners’ Cup final win over Barcelona in 1991.
Speaking on the Ballon d’Or winner, Irwin said: “And the thing with Stoichkov as well. He was an aggressive sod. He would kick you.
“The final we played in ’91 against Barcelona. He was actually suspended. Thank God.
“They had a great team. They won the old European Cup the following year with [Michael] Laudrup and [Ronald] Koeman and all that […]. But he was a great player, Stoichkov.”
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