33·Legends

Johnny Carey vs Tony Dunne

Ireland against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

JC

Johnny Carey

Ireland · 1937–1953 · RB

Almanac rating
89
Rank in Ireland
#3 of 33
Caps
29 · 3 goals
Clubs
Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton

Nine different positions bore his name on Manchester United teamsheets, goalkeeper included, yet it was as captain that he lifted the FA Cup after the celebrated 4-2 final against Blackpool in 1948. The First Division title of 1952 followed, along with the 1949 Footballer of the Year award and the honour of captaining the Rest of Europe XI at Hampden in 1947. Career record: 29 caps and 3 goals for Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton.

vs
TD

Tony Dunne

Ireland · 1958–1979 · LB

Almanac rating
88
Rank in Ireland
#7 of 33
Caps
33 · 0 goals
Clubs
Shelbourne, Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers

Only Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes had played more games for Manchester United when he left in 1973, and on the night Benfica were beaten 4-1 at Wembley in 1968 he was there at left-back, quick, quiet, immaculate. The European Cup crowns honours that also hold the 1963 FA Cup and the league championships of 1965 and 1967. Career record: 33 caps and 0 goals for Ireland; club career at Shelbourne, Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers.

The verdict

The almanac puts Johnny Carey ahead by 1 rating point, 89 against 88.

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