Former Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has revealed that he took so many long-shots due to some advice from club legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
Gibson played for United from 2005 to 2012, contributing 10 goals and eight assists in 59 appearances across all competitions. He helped the club win the Premier League and two League Cups during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson’s management before moving on to Everton.
The Republic of Ireland international was well known for his propensity to shoot from distance. His playing style led to some memorable strikes, including a goal against Bayern Munich in a Champions League quarter-final in 2010 and a final-day effort against Hull in 2009.
Speaking on the UTD Podcast , Gibson says that his style was encouraged by Charlton, but led to some playful banter from his teammates. “I can’t remember what game it was, but Sir Bobby used to come into the dressing room after the games,” he explained.
“I just remember him saying to me: ‘Listen son, they don’t remember the ones you miss. Just keep shooting.’ It sort of stuck with me, so I was just thinking from then I’m just shooting from everywhere! Every time I get a chance I’m shooting. But it worked. A few of them flew in for me.”
Asked whether his teammates used to get annoyed by his constant shooting, he replied: “There were a few times . It might have been after a West Ham game away when I scored again. I had about 10 shots in the game, and I got on the bus afterwards and Giggsy was like ‘here he is, Darren Lampard.’ I got a bit of stick from the lads but [it worked for me].”
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After leaving Old Trafford in 2012, Gibson went on to play for Everton, Sunderland, Wigan and Salford City. But his favourite goal remains for United in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich in April 2010.
It came after just three minutes, with Gibson picking up a lay-off from Wayne Rooney before smashing a low shot past goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt from 25 yards. United won the game 3-2 but went out of the competition on away goals following a 4-4 draw on aggregate.
"It’s probably not the best goal but my favourite one was the Bayern Munich one,” Gibson said. “Obviously, I think I hit the shot early and he didn’t move, the goalkeeper. But running down that side of the pitch, and the fans, I can remember clearly it was unbelievable. I think that was the best one, just the whole experience. I know we went out, but for me personally, I think that was my best goal.”
