Norman Whiteside (born May 7, 1965) was a star Manchester United forward / midfielder during the 1980s who also played in two World Cup finals for Northern Ireland.

Raised in North Belfast, Whiteside became the youngest player to debut for the Red Devils since Duncan Edwards, when he appeared in the 1982 FA Cup final at age 17. He also became the youngest to score in an FA Cup final when he scored in the replay, won by United 4-0.

Whiteside became the youngest player to appear in a World Cup finals, when he debuted for Northern Ireland in the same year at Spain '82, starting all the side's four matches. At the finals he scored in his country's only result in the tournament, a 1-1 draw against Algeria. Whiteside won a total of 38 caps and scored 9 times in eight years playing for Northern Ireland.

Whiteside's playing career was cut short by injuries. Having had some 13 operations performed on his knee during his career, Whiteside retired from professional football in 1990, after playing two seasons with Everton. Upon retirement, Whiteside studied to become a podiatrist and now works as one for the Professional Footballer's Association.

External links

• Manchester United Legends: Norman Whiteside
• givemefootball with a 2004 report on an interview with Whiteside about his life since retiring from soccer