WE COULD HAVE picked many moments from these two storied clubs’ long, rich histories as we look forward to Wednesday’s showdown at the Bernabeu.
But Waterford man John O’Shea nut-megging Portuguese superstar Luis Figo in 2003, will do for us.
The then fresh-faced Irish lad got his chance against the La Liga giants, in place of the suspended Gary Neville, as (Original) Ronaldo single-handedly wrecked United’s Champions League title hopes with a stunning hat-trick.
The Brazilian superstar scored an early goal which was cancelled out by Van Nistelrooy before he struck twice again early in the second period. Ivan Helguera’s og and a late double from the boot-scarred Beckham proved too little for United as they lost 6-5 on aggregate.
Step 1: become the greatest U-16 player of your generation… from Waterford in 1997
2. Work your way up to becoming Ireland U-18 skipper. Also buy a boat.
3. Move through the ranks at one of the world’s biggest clubs, Manchester United
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4. Don’t be afraid to put the boot in, dude. Especially if it’s Mark Kennedy. Establish yourself as a Fergie favourite
5. Now, you’re ready for Figo
Rui Vieira/PA Archive/Press Association Images
6. Take the ball on your chest and leave the one-time Ballon D’Or winner drift towards you
7. Poke it through the Portuguese star’s planted feet
8. Shout megs, collect the ball, and pass to Scholesy or Keaney if possible
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