Born in North Belfast, Norman was discovered by the renowned Ulster Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, who previously unearthed legends like George Best and Sammy McIlroy. Norman made his debut for Manchester United as a forward during the 1981-82 season, becoming the youngest player at the club since Duncan Edwards. The following year, he played in both the League Cup and FA Cup finals, becoming the youngest player to score in both competitions. He won the FA Cup with Manchester United by beating Brighton & Hove Albion in the final.
At just 17 years and 41 days, Norman broke Pele’s record to become the youngest player to feature in a World Cup when he debuted for Northern Ireland at España 82. He started all five of Northern Ireland’s matches, including the historic 1-0 victory over Spain. His international debut came against Yugoslavia in Zaragoza, where he received a yellow card in the second half.
In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Norman scored Northern Ireland’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Algeria. Over eight years, he earned 38 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring nine times.
Initially starting his career as a centre forward, Norman transitioned into a midfield role, adapting his game to include a gritty, physical style combined with great skill and an eye for goal. His combination of determination and technical ability made him an instant favourite among Manchester United fans for his relentless effort on the pitch, as well as his capability to control the game from midfield.
Norman’s standout moment came in the 1985 FA Cup final when he scored the winning goal in extra time. His curling shot from the right-hand side gave ten-man United victory over Everton, securing his second FA Cup winner’s medal.
However, his promising career was marred by persistent knee injuries. Despite multiple operations on his knee, he was unable to fully recover, leading to his early retirement in 1991 at the age of 26. During his time at Everton, he made just 29 appearances, most of which came during his first season.
Following his retirement, Norman pursued a career as a podiatrist and now works at the Professional Footballers’ Association. He is also a popular speaker on the after dinner circuit, sharing his experiences and insights from a career filled with triumphs and challenges.
