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
  • 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

Lerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC“All we want is people who really want to die for the shirt” – Danny Dyer talks West Ham, football agents and the toughest firms in the gameOne Last DealWhy Donald Trump lacks power on Iran's participation at World Cup as 'likely decision date' revealedGetty“We are here to win” - Nico Hulkenberg sets clear goal for Audi F1 entryGetty

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Mexico issue statement as Iran ask to move World Cup games outside US

    Iran asked FIFA whether they could play their World Cup matches outside of the United States.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Premier League club to complete transfer in March as player arrives for medical

    The player has flown into London for a medical ahead of a mooted £28.5 million transfer.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    How Premier League can secure fifth Champions League spot as UEFA rankings updated

    The UEFA co-efficient rankings have been updated after the latest Champions League fixtures.

    Football
  • TNT Sports
    3 hours ago

    Joe Hart loses his head and screams out after astonishing moment in Spurs vs Atletico game

    Joe Hart was on commentary duty for Spurs' Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid and let out a scream.

    Football