Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich will require surgery on a ruptured quadricep suffered while saving a penalty during a celebrity penalty shootout
Former Manchester United shot-stopper Mark Bosnich is set for surgery after suffering a ruptured quadricep while saving a penalty. The Aussie was participating in a celebrity penalty shootout during a promotional event ahead of the World Cup.
Bosnich was between the sticks when he faced a penalty from ex-AFL boss Gillon McLachlan. Despite successfully stopping the shot, he instantly cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground.
Some spectators initially believed it was a prank, with the event’s host, Archie Thompson, remarking: “I hope it is a stitch up, but if it is, man, his acting is incredible.”
Bosnich managed to rise and cautiously make his way to the sidelines to take a seat. However, after applying ice to the injury at the venue, he was transported to hospital, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Pictures show him maintaining a smile while holding ice on the injured leg.
The 54-year-old has since confirmed to Nine that he will need surgery for the injury.
The former keeper is scheduled to serve as a pundit for Australia’s coverage of this summer’s World Cup in North America. Australia will compete in the tournament, taking on Turkey, the USA and Paraguay in their group stage matches.
Bosnich spent the majority of his playing days in the Premier League, moving to United from Sydney United as a young player. He racked up a total of 38 appearances for the Reds, securing 15 clean sheets – though just three appearances were made during his initial stint in Manchester.
He returned to Sydney United in 1991, before transferring to Aston Villa merely six months later. He relocated back to United in 1999, remaining at Old Trafford until 2001.
He also had a two-year spell with Chelsea between 2001 and 2003. His second tenure with United means he was part of the 1999/2000 Premier League-winning team.
Bosnich represented Australia 17 times between 1993 and 2000. He even netted an international goal in the 13-0 World Cup qualification match against the Solomon Islands in June 1997.