Manny Muscat

Manny Muscat
Manny Muscat
Born	Emmanuel Muscat; December 7, 1984 (age 41); Australia
Occupation	Professional footballer (retired)
Years active	–2018
Known for	Defensive midfielder, right back

Emmanuel "Manny" Muscat (born 7 December 1984) is a retired professional soccer player who last featured as a defensive midfielder or right back for Green Gully competing in the NPL Victoria. Although born in Australia, he represented the Malta national team internationally.

Early career

Growing up in West Sunshine, Melbourne, Muscat began his playing career with Sunshine George Cross, where he was appointed captain at just 19 years old. He later transferred to local rivals Green Gully SC, achieving significant accomplishments within the Victorian Premier League.

Wellington Phoenix

In August 2008, Wellington Phoenix acquired Muscat from Green Gully initially as a temporary replacement for the injured Vince Lia. Subsequently, he secured a full-time contract with the club.

During the 2009–10 campaign, Muscat participated in 26 matches, including all three fixtures in the final series. After receiving Wellington’s sole red card that season, teammate Troy Hearfield assumed Muscat’s customary right back role, which led to Muscat transitioning into a defensive midfield position—a role he maintained thereafter. On 20 October 2009, he committed to Wellington Phoenix by signing a three-year contract extension.

Muscat netted his inaugural goal for Wellington on 20 January 2012 against the Newcastle Jets FC during his 85th appearance. The very next day, he extended his stay with the club by two more years, turning down offers from Melbourne-based teams Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne Heart. On 3 January 2013, Muscat was handed a three-match suspension following an incident where he elbowed an opponent twice in a 2–1 defeat to Brisbane Roar.

Melbourne City

On 3 March 2016, Muscat agreed to a two-year deal with Melbourne City, commencing with the 2016–17 A-League season. He made his first appearance in a friendly match against Port Melbourne SC on 20 July 2016, which ended in a 5–0 victory. Melbourne City released him on 3 May 2018 amid a squad restructuring process.

Green Gully

Following his departure from the A-League, Muscat returned to Green Gully in May 2018 to continue competing at the club level.

International career

Muscat earned his first cap for the Maltese national team on 11 May 2009 during a friendly encounter with the Czech Republic national football team. He made a substitute appearance late in a 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Sweden. In August 2010, he received call-ups for UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures facing Israel and Latvia.

A-League performance record

Team	Season	A-League		Finals Series		Asia		Overall
Team	Season	Appearances	Goals	Appearances	Goals	Appearances	Goals	Appearances	Goals
Wellington Phoenix (A-League)	2008–09	14	0					14	0
	2009–10	23	0	3	0			26	0
	2010–11	27	0	1	0			28	0
	2011–12	25	1	2	1			27	2
	2012–13	24	0					24	0
	2013–14	21	0					21	0
	Team Total	134	1	6	1			140	2

Achievements

Melbourne City

FFA Cup: 2016

Personal

A-League All Stars: 2014

External links