Irish Footballers that Played for Manchester United – Pat Dunne

Pat Dunne – Introduction

Pat Dunne was born on 9 February 1943 in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. As a schoolboy he played for Stella Maris. Following a brief stint in England with Everton he returned to Ireland as Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper when the Milltown club was a the dominant force in the League of Ireland. In May 1964 Dunne signed for Manchester United under Matt Busby for a fee of £10,500. United’s regular goalkeeper, and fellow Irishman, Harry Gregg had been suffering from persistent injury so Dunne went into the United first team not long after his arrival at Old Trafford.

Pat Dunne & Manchester United

Pat Dunne made his debut for Manchester United on 8 September 1964 against Everton at Goodison Park. Dunne conceded three goals as United drew 3-3 with the Merseysiders. Despite this Dunne retained his position for the next match and kept his first clean sheet for United against Nottingham Forest.

Dunne went on to make 55 appearances in goal for Manchester United in the 1964/65 season keeping 17 clean sheets in 37 league matches. This was crucial as United won the First Division title ahead of Leeds United winning on goal difference. Pat Dunne started the next season still in possession of the number one jersey however his place came under threat as Harry Gregg returned to fitness. John Gaskell was also emerged to challenge for the goalkeeping position. As a consequence Dunne only played eleven times in the 1965/67 season and just once, in a League Cup match, in the following season. Pat Dunne’s last appearance for Manchester United was on 14 September 1966 against Blackpool and unfortunately he shipped five goals as United lost 5-1.

Pat Dunne – Rep of Ireland Career

Pat Dunne made his debut for the Republic of Ireland on 5 May 1965 against Spain in a 1966 World Cup qualifier. Ireland won that match 1-0 at Dalymount Park as Dunne kept his one and only clean sheet for Ireland. His next two caps were also against Spain. In the return World Cup qualifier in Seville the Irish lost 4-1 having led through a goal from Andy McEvoy. In those days goal difference did not count so a third match at a neutral venue was required to decide who would qualify for the 1966 World Cup finals in England. The now infamous Ireland / Spain play-off match in Paris ended in a 1-0 for the Spaniards.

Pat Dunne’s last match for Ireland was on 16 November 1966 against Turkey in a 1968 European Championship qualifier at Dalymount Park. Ireland won the match 2-1. Dunne played in goal for Ireland five times and conceded ten goals, keeping one clean sheet, winning two matches and losing three.

Pat Dunne – Manchester United & Ireland Statistics

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