I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave me
PAUL MCGRATH has lifted the lid on his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.
McGrath, 64, starred at Manchester United from 1982 to 1989, with Ferguson replacing Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford in November 1986.
He initially remained a mainstay in United’s team under the Scot, but saw his time in the team reduced due to a combination of increased struggles with knee issues and new signings such as Steve Bruce.
In his autobiography, Back from the Brink, he detailed his injury struggles and the alcohol abuse that dogged his career.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McGrath admitted he was never the biggest fan of Ferguson, but held the utmost respect for him for what he did for him after his retirement in 1998.
He said: “Obviously Sir Alex didn’t like the way we were living our lives and stuff like that…
“How is our relationship? I think it’s great now, to be honest, he brought me back there to do work after I’d quit football and stuff like that.
“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 finished my career and stuff like that.
“He was brilliant to me, and he’d always stop to say hello and shake my hands and stuff.
“And he didn’t want someone like me just dragging the whole team back.
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“I have to say we did overdo it and I think we deserved the exits we got.”
McGrath made more than 200 appearances for United, scoring 18 goals and landing the 1985 FA Cup.
He also starred for St Patrick’s Athletic, Aston Villa, Derby County and Sheffield United.
The defender was named the Player of the Season at the Villans four years running and was given the nickname “God” by the Villa Park faithful.
McGrath earned 83 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team, scoring eight goals.