| Born in North Belfast, Norman was spotted by United's legendary Ulster scout Bob Bishop, the man also responsible for bringing George Best and Sammy McILroy to Old Trafford. He made his United debut in the Spring of 1982 against Brighton before making history in the World Cup with Northern Ireland. It was during those finals in which Norman first became famous, as he helped the Ulstermen surprise and delight everyone by reaching the Quarter-finals. The following season United reached the 1983 League Cup final, in which he scored another "youngest ever" goal and then again month later when he scored in the FA Cup Final replay 4-0 win against Brighton.
The next few years were the high point of his career both for United and Northern Ireland. His most famous moment came in 1985 when United played the then champions Everton in the FA Cup Final. At 0-0 in extra time, reduced to ten men, United were up against it and an Everton winner seemed likely. Then, Big Norman went on a run down the right wing and curled in a superb bending shot from 20 yards to beat Everton keeper Southall. It won goal of the season and sealed undoubtedly United's greatest FA Cup Final win.
The following seasons saw Whiteside adopt a more deeper position in midfield, he would captain both United (in Robson's absence) and Northern Ireland. Sadly, injuries and suspensions saw his career take a down-turn around 1988 and Alex Ferguson began reshaping his team. An unhappy Norman did not seem to figure in the managers plans, hampered by a recurring knee injury he was sold to Everton in 1989 for £600,000. After two years with the blues the knee trouble got worse and he was forced to retire at 27. Not the sort of man for self-pity he went back to University were he built a career as a specialist in sports injuries to the feet.
Norman Whiteside still remains an all-time United hero to this day. A beacon of hope in what was a decade of under-achievement, a highly gifted player who captured the hearts and imaginations of the United fans, he is fondly remembered and appreciated for what he did at Manchester United. |
Ireland