 |
|||||||
    Belgium Czech Rep. Denmark England France Germany Holland Italy Norway Portugal Romania Slovenia Spain Sweden Turkey Yugoslavia     |
A gritty midfielder with neat skills and a hardened edge, Nicky had a promising start to last season, playing in Manchester United's opening five games before being forced out for an operation on four wisdom teeth. He had just recovered from that ordeal, when he was sent off twice in five days, against Barcelona in the Champions' League, and Arsenal in the Premiership. Although he was given a one-match ban by UEFA for his hand-ball offence against Barca, it was suddenly increased to two, which meant he missed the important ties against Bayern and Brondby. After playing in only two games during October, he scored his first Premiership goal of the season against Leeds in November, then netted his second against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in December. But just when it seemed like he was beginning to show the sort of form that had put him on the verge of a World Cup place in the summer, he sustained a hip injury before United's vital FA Cup-tie against Chelsea in March. Having made a remarkable recovery, however, he was a steadying influence in a side vying for honours on three fronts, whilst also becoming a vital member of Kevin Keegan's new England team. Won European Cup and Premier League championship medals for his endeavours. |
||||||
|
|||||||
