While the Manchester United class of 1992 may live long in the memory, many of the respected players may now be unrecognizable. The passage of time has made one of United’s stars especially incognito.
Red Devils fans were stunned by the photo posted by the United legend on Twitter — a huge beard completely hid one of the stars.
The Red Devils legend shared a photo dedicated to Manchester United’s first Premier League title, won 30 years ago (via The Daily Mail).
Having led one of the brightest periods in the history of United football, the 1992-1993 team inscribed itself in the history books. However, after three decades and seasons out of sight, many of these players are hard to recognize.
Earlier this month, one of the United legends was spotted in a Manchester pub having a pint with a fan. His massive mustache amazed fans. It was Brian McClair, the former Red Devils striker and the first player since George Best to score 20 goals for United.
Lee Sharp was a Class of 92 legend who shared a photo of Saturday’s reunion. The image featured Sharp and eight former teammates, including Bryan Robson, Clayton Blackmore, Mike Phelan, Gary Pallister, Brian McClair, Mark Hughes, Denis Irwin and Paul Parker.
Life after the field
Sir Alex Ferguson was the first manager to win the Premier League title, and his captain was the legendary Robson. Robsons was the captain of the team for 12 years, and the “Three Lions” — 65 times. He left the Red Devils in 1994 and was later voted United’s best player in 2011.
Hughes currently ranks ninth on the club’s all—time scoring list - he has scored 163 goals in 467 games. Similarly, Irvine ranks ninth in the number of appearances for United with 529 games. David de Gea is on the heels of Irvine, and they are separated by only 17 games.
Robson, Phelan and Hughes returned to the field, but as coaches after retirement. Blackmore also had a career in football management. However, it lasted only two dates.
Sharpe was the hallmark of the group and chose a completely different sport. The backline legend started participating in professional golf tournaments in 2021.
Return to Old Trafford
Phelan and McClair moved to Old Trafford after retirement. Phelan was an assistant coach of the team twice, and McClair was the director of the Youth Academy for nine years.
Pioneers
Many remember the class of 1999, which won the triple prize, but the class of 1992 paved the way. Irwin was the only member of the 1992-93 season team to play for both groups of legends.
Manchester United fans all over the world will always cherish the class of 1992. In May 1993, they lifted the Premier League Trophy for the Red Devils to fulfill a 26-year dream of finishing first in the top football division.
Since then, Manchester United have won a record 12 more titles. Eric Ten Hag’s men have brought back the courage, camaraderie and ambition of former great teams like the Class of 1992.
The Premier League trophy may be out of reach this season, but the team has all the makings of a team that can compete for first place in the next campaign.
