Today marks the 20th anniversary of Alan Smith’s horrendous leg break, which the former Manchester United star suffered during an FA Cup tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
Alan Smith joined Manchester United in a shock transfer from rivals Leeds in the summer of 2004 for a fee believed to be worth £7 million.
Known as a striker after coming through the youth ranks at his boyhood club, Leeds, Smith scored a stunning volley on his debut in the Community Shield against Arsenal.
‘Smudge’, as he is known by his United teammates, also scored against Norwich City in his first home game at Old Trafford. He finished his debut season with 10 goals across all competitions.
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Sir Alex Ferguson on Leeds / graphic
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The following season coincided with the departure of Roy Keane following a controversial feud with Sir Alex Ferguson.
This led to a tactical shift for Smith because Ferguson believed the former Leeds star had the tenacity and tackling ability to be converted into a holding midfielder.
Smith later said Keane was ‘irreplaceable’, although he did make 21 league appearances that season before a career-halting trip to Anfield in February 2006.
Alan Smith breaks his leg at Anfield, surrounded by Man Utd teammates
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
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Alan Smith suffered horrific double injury against Liverpool in 2006
Smith was over a year into his United career and was being trusted by Ferguson to play a key role in midfield.
It was halted suddenly when he suffered a horrendous injury during an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in 2006.
Smith sustained a broken leg and dislocated ankle while defending a John Arne Riise free-kick in the closing stages of the fourth round tie.
In an attempt to close down Riise’s powerful shot from 40-yards, Smith charged the ball, but the reaction of his teammates painted a horrifying picture.
United’s medical staff rushed over as Ruud van Nistelrooy walked away in disbelief, with his hands covering his face.
United went on to lose the tie 1-0 following a goal from Peter Crouch.
“He has broken his leg and dislocated the ankle joint,” Ferguson told MUTV after the match, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“It is a bad one. He has gone to hospital, it looks very long-term – it is one of the worst I have seen. I am sure he will be back.”
Eight months on from the injury, Smith made his first competitive appearance for the first team against Benfica in the Champions League.
Smith’s only United goal after returning from injury came in the famous 7-1 win over AS Roma.
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Cantona/Leeds graphic
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What did Sir Alex Ferguson say when he signed Alan Smith from Leeds?
A lot was written about the transfer at the time, and Leeds fans were extremely unhappy to lose another star player to United.
They had seen it happen before with Eric Cantona, but Smith’s story was completely different.
Ferguson had seen Smith break into the Leeds first team, where he showed plenty of bite and determination as a young striker.
“I have never been more impressed with a young player, his desire to play for Manchester United is fantastic,” Ferguson said at the time.
“Certain young people come along with a special determination, and after speaking to him I expect that from Alan Smith. That desire will take him a long way.”
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