Paul McGrath is an icon of Irish sport and there's no doubt that he will go down as one of the greatest ever footballers to don the green of Ireland.
While the history books have recorded McGrath as a legend of Lansdowne Road, Old Trafford and Villa Park, Alex Ferguson had little time for the Irish man's well-documented lifestyle during his early tenure in North England.
Having made the move from St. Patricks Athletic to Manchester United in 1982, McGrath enjoyed a successful seven years at Man Utd that saw him earn 163 caps, an FA Cup and a place in the 1985/86 First Division team of the season.
However, the arrival of Alex Ferguson to the club in November 1986 set into motion the beginning of the end for McGrath. Despite maintaining his starting position during Ferguson's early days, it wasn't long before McGrath's lifestyle became a point of contention in an ever-straining relationship with his manager.
Eventually, in 1989 Ferguson sold McGrath to Aston Villa, where the Irish international went on to enjoy a fruitful career and earn 253 caps as well as winning the players' player of the year in the Premier League's inaugural season.
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Paul McGrath reveals turning point in his relationship with Alex Ferguson
While at the time McGrath's banishment may have left a bitter taste in his mouth, speaking in an interview with Sky Sports the Irish man revealed what turned the tide in his relationship with Ferguson.
Despite confirming that he had no fondness for Ferguson then, McGrath detailed how a decision from his old foe to bring him back to Old Trafford after his retirement was a good measure of the man.
Obviously Sir Alex didn't like the way we were living our lives and stuff like that.
I think (our relationship) is great now, to be honest he brought me back there to do work after I quit football, I didn't particularly like Sir Alex to be honest, but he was man enough to bring me back down to Manchester United when I'd finished my career and stuff like that. He was brilliant to me and he'd always stop and say hello and shake my hand.
"He was brilliant to me"
Paul McGrath speaks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson 🤝 pic.twitter.com/9By0OJltnV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024
In fairness to McGrath he's held no grudge about the manner in which his Manchester United career came to an end, revealing that ultimately he got what he deserved.
He was a winner and he didn't want someone like me just dragging the whole team back and I have to say we did over do it and I think we deserved the exits we got.
In fairness to McGrath, it's a brutally honest admission that's evidence of why he's so widely loved in Irish society.
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