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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.

Paul McGrath has opened up on his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson
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Paul McGrath has opened up on his relationship with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPL
McGrath starred at Man Utd for seven years and played under Ferguson from 1986 to 1989
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McGrath starred at Man Utd for seven years and played under Ferguson from 1986 to 1989Credit: Getty
He admitted he did not really like Ferguson
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He admitted he did not really like FergusonCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPL
But he also praised 'brilliant' Ferguson for bringing him back after hanging up his boots
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But he also praised 'brilliant' Ferguson for bringing him back after hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty

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 , 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...

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"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.

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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.

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