Former Manchester United star admits Sir Alex Ferguson birthday gift changed his life

Sir Alex Ferguson is regarded as one of the best managers of all time, and he has won everything to back that up.

Former Manchester United full-back Kieran Richardson admits an 18th birthday present from Sir Alex Ferguson changed his life forever.

While Ferguson would often splash out to buy the best players (until the Glazers inflicted hundreds of millions worth of debt on the club), he also took pride in nurturing talents from the academy.

Richardson, 39, joined United’s academy from West Ham in 2001 as a 17-year-old. He went on to make 81 appearances for the first-team and won the Premier League along with a League Cup triumph.

In 2002, Richardson was given his first-team debut against Olympiacos in a Champions League tie. It came with an honourable gesture from Ferguson.

Unforgettable birthday gift from Sir Alex Ferguson

Richardson was not yet on a pro contract, having told United he wanted to wait until he had broken into the first team. He was earning just £180-a-week while players of the same age were on much higher salaries.

However, against Olympiacos, anyone who featured was set for a £12,000 bonus and Richardson was given his debut in that game which fell on his 18th birthday.

Speaking on the Broadtalks Podcast, Richardson said: “I never signed 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 warning 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.”