whiteside_norman
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z |
Click on above letter for surname of player |
Norman Whiteside - Manchester United forward/midfielder - Player profile & stats |
|

|
|
 |
Name: Norman Whiteside |
Nationality: Northern Ireland |
Position: forward/midfielder |
Signing Information: Signed Trainee: 25/05/1981. Signed Professional: 07/05/1982 |
Birthdate: 07-05-1965 |
Years at Club: 1981-1989 |
Age: (59) |
Debut: 24/04/1982 v Brighton & Hove Albion (A) 1-0 (League Division One) |
Birthplace: Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Previous clubs: |
Height: 6' 1" (1.85m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to Everton, 08/1989, £750,000 |
Weight: 13st 7lbs (85.73kg) |
Passed Away: |
 |
Norman Whiteside is a former Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer who was known for his versatility, physicality, and ability to perform in big matches. Whiteside made history early in his career, becoming the youngest player to appear in a FIFA World Cup at the age of 17 years and 41 days in 1982. His talent and maturity at a young age earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects of his time.
Whiteside began his professional career at Manchester United, joining the club as a teenager in 1981. Despite his young age, he quickly broke into the first team, showcasing his ability to play both as a forward and as a midfielder. His physical presence, technical skills, and goal-scoring instinct made him a vital part of United's squad during the early 1980s.
Whiteside was known for delivering in crucial moments, particularly in cup finals. He scored the winning goal in extra time of the 1985 FA Cup final against Everton with a brilliant curling shot, ensuring United lifted the trophy. He also played a key role in United’s 1983 FA Cup triumph, scoring in the final against Brighton & Hove Albion and becoming the youngest player to score in an FA Cup final at the time.
Injuries, particularly to his knees, hampered Whiteside’s career and led to his departure from United in 1989. He moved to Everton, where he played for two more seasons before being forced to retire at the age of just 26 due to ongoing injury problems.
Strengths:
Versatility: Whiteside was comfortable playing as both a forward and a midfielder, making him a valuable asset in multiple positions.
Physicality and Toughness: Known for his strength and physical presence, Whiteside was able to hold off defenders and make a strong impact in physical battles.
Big-Game Player: Whiteside had a knack for scoring important goals in high-stakes matches, particularly in cup finals.
Technical Ability: Despite his physical style, Whiteside was also a skillful player with good ball control and an eye for goal.
Achievements with Manchester United:
2x FA Cup Winner (1983, 1985)
Scored in two FA Cup finals, including the winning goal in 1985
League Cup Runner-Up (1983)
Played over 200 games for Manchester United, scoring 47 goals
International Career:
Whiteside earned 38 caps for the Northern Ireland national team and was a key player in their campaigns at the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups. He became the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup when he played in the 1982 tournament at the age of 17. Whiteside’s performances on the international stage, particularly at such a young age, made him one of the most promising players of his generation.
Legacy:
Norman Whiteside is remembered as a talented and tough player who had the ability to shine in crucial moments. His goals in FA Cup finals and his performances for Northern Ireland in World Cups are key highlights of his career. Although injuries curtailed his playing days at a young age, Whiteside left a lasting impact on Manchester United and the football world. His versatility, physicality, and football intelligence made him a unique player during his era.
After retiring from football, Whiteside became a podiatrist and remained involved in media work, sharing his experiences from his time as a professional footballer.
Summary:
Norman Whiteside was a versatile and physically imposing player who made a significant impact at Manchester United and on the international stage for Northern Ireland. Known for his ability to perform in big games, Whiteside played a key role in United's FA Cup triumphs in 1983 and 1985, becoming the youngest player to score in a final at the time. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Whiteside’s legacy as a talented, tough, and big-game player endures, particularly for his contributions to Manchester United and his record-breaking appearances in the World Cup. |
 |
|
League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
No |
Season |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
1 |
1981-1982 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1982-1983 |
8 |
39 |
3 |
9 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
57 |
3 |
1983-1984 |
10 |
37 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
51 |
4 |
1984-1985 |
9 |
27 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
39 |
5 |
1985-1986 |
4 |
37 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
47 |
6 |
1986-1987 |
8 |
31 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
37 |
7 |
1987-1988 |
7 |
27 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
35 |
8 |
1988-1989 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
TOTALS |
47 |
206 |
9 |
29 |
10 |
24 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
67 |
274 |
|
|