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On This Day 18 Years Ago John O'Shea Nutmegged Luis Figo

On This Day 18 Years Ago John O'Shea Nutmegged Luis Figo

The night R9 scored his famous hat-trick in the Champions League, John O'Shea showed off his own wonderful skills.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

18 years ago Ronaldo scored a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester United, but he was upstaged by John O'Shea's nutmeg on Luis Figo!

Real Madrid's Galacticos turned up at Old Trafford with a Champions League quarter final to win, having won the first leg 3-1.

Both teams were packed with superstars with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Juan Sebastian Veron, Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos Zinedine Zidane and Guti amongst the starters.

However it wasn't any of those men who stole the show it was of course the greatest of all time...O'Shea!

Oh sure 'R9' might have earned a standing ovation for his part to play in the match but really, who can forget ultimate utility man O'Shea getting one over on 2000 Ballon d'Or winner Figo, truly masterful skill!

This wasn't just your average piece of skill. Millions watching at home leapt from their sofas.

John Francis O'Shea just nutmegged one of the greatest players of a generation! It's a moment that really should go down in the annals of history.

Sure, to the English, April 23rd is St George's Day but to the Irish it is celebrated as John O'Shea Day!

Why is there no statue of the great moment outside of Old Trafford? Another shining example of the malaise the Glazers have allowed at United!

February 4th should also be celebrated as John O'Shea Day, every day should be John O'Shea Day. Image: PA Images
February 4th should also be celebrated as John O'Shea Day, every day should be John O'Shea Day. Image: PA Images

O'Shea made his debut in 1999 and went on to win 14 major honours during his time at Old Trafford.

The former Sunderland player played in literally every position during his time with the Manchester club, which helped earn his cult hero status.

He went in goal against Spurs in the last few minutes, after they'd used up all their subs and following an injury, and he scored against Arsenal in the match best remembered for Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira's pre match argument.

But the incredible scene involving Figo, like a scene out of a movie, will be many people's favourite memory of the Irishman.

The former defender will never be in any dream XI's but Sir Alex Ferguson absolutely loved O'Shea and could always depend on him to do a job in either defence or midfield.

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Topics: Football, Manchester United, Ronaldo, Premier League, John O'Shea, Champions League, Luis Figo, Real Madrid, La Liga