Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich faces surgery after being taken to hospital, having ruptured his quadricep while saving a penalty during a celebrity shootout. The Australian was participating in a promotional event ahead of the World Cup when the injury occurred. Bosnich was between the sticks as he faced a spot-kick from former AFL chief Gillon McLachlan. Despite pulling off the save, he immediately cried out in agony and fell to the floor.
Several onlookers initially suspected it was a prank, with event presenter Archie Thompson remarking: “I hope it is a stitch up, but if it is, man, his acting is incredible.” Bosnich managed to get to his feet and hobble gingerly to the sidelines before taking a seat. After having the injury iced at the venue, he was subsequently rushed to hospital.
Photographs captured him still smiling while holding ice against the stricken leg.
The 54-year-old has since confirmed to Nine that an operation will be necessary to repair the damage.
The former shot-stopper is set to appear as a pundit for Australia’s coverage of this summer’s World Cup in North America. Australia have secured their place in the tournament, where they will face Turkey, the USA and Paraguay in the group stage.
Bosnich spent the majority of his playing career in the Premier League, having joined United from Sydney United as a youngster. He made a total of 38 appearances for the Reds, keeping 15 clean sheets – although only three of those came during his initial spell in Manchester.
He returned to Sydney United in 1991, before switching to Aston Villa just six months later. He subsequently moved back to United in 1999, remaining at Old Trafford until 2001.
He also had a two-year stint with Chelsea between 2001 and 2003. His second spell with United included being part of the title-winning squad during the 1999/2000 Premier League season.
Bosnich earned 17 caps for Australia between 1993 and 2000, and even got himself on the scoresheet in the 13-0 World Cup qualification victory against the Solomon Islands back in June 1997.