Teenager Darron Gibson became the third Red in 12 months to win an international cap before starting a competitive match for United when he appeared in the Republic Of Ireland's 4-0 win over Denmark last night.
Gibson came on at half-time for Andy Reid and had an immediate impact when his 54th-minute shot proved too hot for goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen. The Dane parried the ball into the path of Shane Long, who slotted home his first of the night.
Last September, Reds defender Jonny Evans played in Northern Ireland's memorable 3-2 win over Spain, while goalkeeper Ben Foster made his England bow (also against Spain) in February 2007. Both players are still to pull on a United shirt in a competitive match.
Gibson, on the other hand, has tasted first-team action, albeit just once as a 76th-minute substitute in United's 2005 Carling Cup tie against Barnet. He spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp, where he played a large part in the Belgian side's push for promotion, and is highly regarded by coaching staff at Old Trafford.
More recently, Gibson joined United on the recent pre-season tour of Asia and played against Shenzhen FC and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical. He then turned out against Doncaster Rovers and Glentoran FC earlier this month.