Former United player reveals Sir Alex Ferguson offered him 100k to retire on the spot

In a surprising revelation, former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath shared an intriguing episode from his time under Sir Alex Ferguson’s managerial reign.

During an era marked by the pervasive drinking culture in English football, McGrath, who struggled with alcohol issues, disclosed that Sir Alex approached him with a unique proposition to address the situation.

In an interview with The Mirror, McGrath recounted the conversation with Sir Alex, stating, “Sir Alex got me into the room and just said, ‘we’d like you to stop playing football.’”

The proposition was accompanied by an offer of £100,000 to encourage McGrath to retire from football altogether and return to Ireland.

The significant sum at that time tempted McGrath to consider the offer seriously.

Reflecting on the pivotal moment, McGrath sought advice from teammates Kevin Moran and Bryan Robson before making a decision.

Despite the tempting financial incentive, McGrath expressed his desire to continue playing football, believing he still had more to contribute to the game.

Upon consulting senior figures at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), McGrath’s decision was conveyed to Sir Alex through Gordon Taylor.

The message was clear: McGrath intended to pursue his football career, whether at Manchester United or elsewhere.

In response, Sir Alex, known for his managerial ruthlessness, took decisive action. Within two weeks, McGrath was transferred to Aston Villa, where he spent seven years in the first team at Villa Park.

The episode serves as a glimpse into the challenges faced by players during a transformative period in English football, highlighting both the personal struggles of McGrath and Sir Alex’s determination to reshape the culture at Old Trafford.