Soccer: Irwin’s United dilemma

Denis Irwin admits he is still no closer to deciding whether or not to stay at Manchester United.

United are ready to offer Irwin another 12-month deal to replace his current contract which expires in the summer.

Irwin claims it would be a huge wrench to leave after 11 years at Old Trafford, but he realises his first-team opportunities are becoming increasingly limited.

The 35-year-old former Republic of Ireland defender has lost his left-back slot to Mikael Silvestre and has made most of his 25 starts this season at right-back.

‘‘I’ve not spoken to anybody yet,’’ he said on MUTV. ‘‘I probably will speak to the club fairly soon.

‘‘The manager has said they are going to offer me a contract so I’ve got to listen to them, but I haven’t got a clue to be honest.

‘‘Ideally everyone would like first-team football. I’ve had words with the manager and he’s told me what he wants from me if I stay next year, which is fair enough.

‘‘It’s up to me to decide if I want that or not.’’

Irwin admits he is facing the biggest decision of his career and that he will probably not make his mind up until the end of the season.

‘‘It will be a difficult decision and I will make it with my family,’’ he said.

‘‘Do I really want to start moving house at my age and move my family?.

‘‘I don’t know and I will cross that bridge in a month-and-a-half’s time.’’