Manchester United v Brentford FC - Premier League
Seven former Man Utd players are nominated for the Premier League Hall of Fame (Photo: Getty)
Manchester United fans say it is ’embarrassing’ and a ‘disgrace’ that one former player has not been nominated for the Premier League Hall of Fame.
On Monday, the Premier League revealed the 15 players nominated to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, with a fan vote to determine which two make the cut.
The shortlist is stacked with legends of the game, including seven former United stars: Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, Michael Owen, Teddy Sheringham, Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic.
Eight United heroes have already been inducted since the Hall of Fame was introduced in 2021, as well as legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
But despite dominating the nominees, some Red Devils supporters were left unhappy, believing an egregious omission has been made yet again.
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‘No Denis Irwin?’ one fan questioned on Twitter.
‘Ah yes, another group of nominees but no Denis Irwin, absolutely disgraceful!’ a supporter fumed, while another called the snub ’embarrassing’.
Man United v Boro Denis Irwin
Only three players have won more Premier League titles than Denis Irwin (Photo: Getty)
The outcry continued as fans pointed out the former Ireland international’s credentials: ‘Irwin has won the league seven times and is constantly overlooked! What is the qualifying criteria here?’
Another added: ‘Denis Irwin won seven Premier League titles and his consistency is unmatched to this day. Honestly, who is picking these?’
Regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest full-backs, only former United teammates Ryan Giggs (13), Paul Scholes (11) and Gary Neville (8), won more titles than Irwin.
Premier League Hall of Fame nominees 2025
Sol Campbell
Michael Carrick
Jermain Defoe
Patrice Evra
Cesc Fabregas
Les Ferdinand
Robbie Fowler
Eden Hazard
Gary Neville
Michael Owen
Teddy Sheringham
David Silva
Yaya Toure
Edwin van der Sar
Nemanja Vidic
Manchester United v Arsenal
Irwin’s former Man Utd teammate Gary Neville (left) is among the nominees (Photo: Getty)
After beginning his career at Leeds and Oldham, the left-back moved to Old Trafford in 1990 and over the next 12 years made 529 appearances and played a key part in the club’s historic treble-winning season in 1998/99.
He joined Wolves in 2002 and, after one final Premier League campaign, hung up his boots two years later.
But despite his impressive career, Irwin has surprisingly never even been nominated for a place in the Hall of Fame, something that hasn’t sat well with fans: ‘Irwin is an absolute certainty, should be in it already.’
‘What about Denis Irwin one of the best ever full backs? Why has he never been nominated?’
Fans have until 11pm UK time on September 15 to vote for who they want inducted into the Hall of Fame and can do so on the Premier League’s official website here. The results will be announced on November 4.
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