sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
John O'Shea's Take On Historic Luis Figo Nutmeg Sums Him Up Perfectly

Home> Football

Published 15:29 30 Apr 2022 GMT+1

John O'Shea's Take On Historic Luis Figo Nutmeg Sums Him Up Perfectly

"It’s crazy the amount of people that still talk about it and mention it."

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

John O'Shea was the definition of a selfless player and the Irishman's take on his memorable nutmeg on Luis Figo sums up to a tee.

In April 2003, O'Shea produced arguably his finest moment in a Manchester United shirt when he sent the 2000 Ballon d'Or winner to the shops in a thrilling Champions League quarter final clash against Real Madrid.

Ronaldo Nazario grabbed the headlines after bagging a hat-trick in a 4-3 second leg win Old Trafford but it was O'Shea who showed he is the real 'Galactico'.

Playing at left-back, he slid the ball through Figo's legs with his right foot and darted away from the Portuguese superstar - one of the best in the world at the time.

It's a wonderful piece of skill to look back at but 18 years on, the Irishman says he'd rather have been nutmegged by Figo one hundred times if it meant United won.

"It's crazy the amount of people that still talk about it and mention it," O'Shea recalled during an appearance on Manchester United's official podcast.

"It was just one of those things.

"I was pure shocked. The game itself... it was weird, because when you're left back the scenario for me would be easier coming back into the right foot. Obviously I'm naturally right-footed.

"Thankfully, when I did it, I was actually able to keep the ball and keep possession.

"But I would have gladly let Figo nutmeg me 100 times and we win the game, if you know what I mean. The fact that they went and knocked us out was annoying.

"I'll always remember the manager saying afterwards... about our ages, and the level you need to get to to be dominant in Europe, and understand European football.

"They'd done us. It took a while to get there, but we did in the end."

Having signed as a 17-year-old from Waterford Bohemians, O'Shea was with United from 1999 until 2011, amassing 393 appearances and being an incredibly reliable option under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The versatile cult hero won 14 major honours, scored a spectacular chip against Arsenal at Highbury and even kept a clean sheet in goal at White Hart Lane in February 2007

Featured Image Credit: Manchester United/UEFA

Topics: Football, Manchester United, John O'Shea

Josh Lawless
Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

X

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_

Recommended reads

Dennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridartsMark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGetty

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
3 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Chelsea 'in talks' to appoint Premier League manager as three-man shortlist revealed

    Chelsea are still searching for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked earlier in April after just over three months in charge.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    EFL player forced to sign 'contract clause' after joining KSI's Baller League team

    The player made his debut for KSI's PRIME FC side on Monday evening.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Harry Maguire aims direct dig at Ruben Amorim after Brentford win

    United secured a 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday to move them to the brink of Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick.

    Football
  • Getty
    4 hours ago

    Fans spot Dani Carvajal gesture on Real Madrid bench after Trent Alexander-Arnold moment

    Carvajal was on the bench during Real's 1-1 draw at Real Betis.

    Football