In his childhood White played for Salford Boys, before joining the youth system at Manchester City. He signed as an apprentice on his eighteenth birthday, and was a member of City's "golden generation" that won the FA Youth Cup in 1986. White made his debut for Manchester City's first-team in September 1986, in a 1–0 defeat to Luton Town. He soon became a regular in the side, alternating between the right-wing and striker positions, and missed just one game in the next two seasons. On 7 November 1987 he was one of three players to score a hat-trick in a 10–1 victory over Huddersfield Town. He had been a first team regular in 1986–87, playing 24 games in the First Division and scoring once, though he could not prevent relegation to the Second Division. His 13 goals in 1987–88 were not enough for promotion, but this was achieved in 1988–89 when he scored six goals as City finished runners-up. White's best years were arguably in the early 1990s, when he was known for his pace and strength. He almost always played on the right wing in teams featuring two strikers, and was second top scorer for City in their first two seasons back in the First Division, and top scorer in the next two seasons. On 23 April 1991 he scored four times for City away to Aston Villa, becoming the first City player to score four goals in a league match since 1977. Shortly after he was capped at England "B" level. As the top division became the Premier League in 1992, White scored Manchester City's first goal in the Premier League after good build up play by Niall Quinn and Paul Lake. After seven goals in the first seven games of this season he made his full international debut.
Leeds United
In December 1993, White was signed by Leeds in an exchange for David Rocastle valued at £1.2 million. He left Maine Road having played 343 first-team games for City, scoring 96 goals. He was also the scorer of City's first Premier League goal, finding the net in the 37th minute at home to Queen's Park Rangers in a 1–1 draw. White never really lived up to expectations at Elland Road. He suffered a succession of injuries and was restricted to just 10 goals for Leeds in his two years at the club.
Sheffield United
In November 1995, he was loaned to Sheffield United, and a month later he signed a permanent contract after the two clubs agreed a £500,000 fee. At Bramall Lane, White showed flashes of his old self, that had made him a star at Manchester City a few years before, but he was still bothered by injuries. He continued to suffer problems with his arthritic right ankle, making his final appearance in a League Cup match against Wrexham in 1997, before having to admit defeat and retire from the game.
International career
In 1987, he won several caps for the England Under-21 side. He made his full international debut in a friendly against Spain, but missed a chance to score early on and lost confidence. White received strong press criticism, and lost form in the aftermath.
