Sir Alex Ferguson’s gift to me on my 18th birthday changed my life forever – I’ll never forget it, says ex-Man Utd ace
A FORMER Manchester United star admits an 18th birthday present from Sir Alex Ferguson changed his life forever.
The Red Devils icon won 13 Premier League titles during his time as United manager.
And he even led the club to a historic Treble in 1999 before cementing his place as arguably the greatest gaffer ever.
Fergie loved to splash out on superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
But he took even greater pride in nurturing the incredible talents from United’s academy.
The Class of ’92 remains possibly the best group of youth players in history.
And another former prodigy has revealed that a gift on his 18th birthday from Fergie was a life-changing experience.
Kieran Richardson, 39, joined United’s academy from West Ham in 2001 when he was just 17 years old.
A year later the midfielder was given his first-team debut in a Champions League clash against Olympiacos.
Richardson won a Premier League and Carabao Cup during 81 appearances at United.
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But his debut against Olympiacos remains his biggest highlight thanks to Fergie’s kindess.
At the time, Richards was not yet on a pro contract, having told United he wanted to wait until he had broken into the first team.
As a result, he was pocketing just £180-a-week at Old Trafford while team-mates of a similar age stepped up to the big bucks.
However, any player – senior or pro – who featured in the win against Olympiacos was set for a £12,000 bonus.
It also happened to be the day of his 18th birthday.
And Fergie chucked on Richardson, who retired in 2017, in the dying minutes to ensure he’d get a bumper birthday present.
Richardson, who now sells luxury watches, told the Broadtalks podcast: “I never signed a pro contract until late. I went in on £90 a week and the next year I doubled it.
“United want to give me a pro contract but I never wanted to sign. Me and my father always thought I don’t want to be a pro until I’m worthy.
“I’ll never forget it was my 18th birthday. I was on the bench in the Champions League and Sir Alex knew I hadn’t signed as a pro.
“It was extra time and he said ‘Kieran, get on the pitch now, no warming up’, because he knew the bonuses United were getting for winning.
“I’m like ‘s**t, get on quick’, and while I’m going past he said ‘happy birthday son’. Bang, £12,000. Sick.”
Man Utd ratings vs Porto
MAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.
Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in Portugal
Andre Onana – 6/10
Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.
Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.
Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4
Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.
All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.
Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.
Lisandro Martinez – 4
Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.
There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.
Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.
Casemiro – 3
Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.
Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.
Christian Eriksen – 5
Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.
Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.
Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.
Amad Diallo – 5
Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.
Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.
Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.
A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.
But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.