It wasn’t that he was without a flourish in his play, rather that his dedication to the team and calm presence in the middle of the pitch allowed his more creative team-mates to express themselves.
He was vital to the success enjoyed by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side from 2007 to 2013, a period in which he became one of the most decorated English footballers ever.
Michael was born on 28 July 1981 in Wallsend, Tyneside. He was a boyhood Newcastle United fan and played for his local side Wallsend Boys Club, who famously produced ex-Reds captain Steve Bruce, and England internationals Peter Beardsley and Alan Shearer, to name just a few.