Paul McGrath is remembered among the greatest centre-backs in Manchester United’s history, but the former Republic of Ireland international couldn’t look past another club legend when asked to name the toughest player he faced.
Arriving at Manchester United from St Patrick’s Athletic in 1982 for £30,000, Paul McGrath made 193 appearances before being sold by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1989.
McGrath’s finest hour in a United shirt came in the 1985 FA Cup final win over Everton when Norman Whiteside scored the famous late winner to secure the trophy for Ron Atkinson’s side.
Following a transfer to Aston Villa, where McGrath would be reunited with Atkinson, he won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1993.
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Paul McGrath hails Mark Hughes as his toughest-ever opponent
McGrath played with and against many world-class players.
The former Republic of Ireland international opened up on that in the first-ever episode of Macca and Beats, a new podcast hosted by Chris “Macca” McGrath and Darren “Beats” Beattie.
McGrath is interviewed by his son (Chris) in a unique podcast, in which he speaks candidly about his extraordinary career and best teammates.
Bryan Robson was named as the best player McGrath ever played with, and he claims Kevin Moran is the funniest person he knows in football.
However, when asked to name the toughest opponent he ever faced, McGrath couldn’t look past Mark Hughes.
“I played against Sparky [Mark Hughes] one time,” McGrath said.
“Tough, tough man. A brilliant footballer as well, but a tough man. He would give the kicks back.
“As a centre-half, I thought we were the tough [guys].
“It was exciting as well. You wanted to do better than him, but when he’s built like Sparky is, it’s more difficult.”
McGrath and Hughes were both teammates and opponents during the 1980s and 1990s, with their careers intertwined at Old Trafford before the Irishman moved to Villa Park.
They initially played together under Atkinson, but in 1986, Hughes was sold to Barcelona. ‘Sparky’ returned in the summer of 1988 under Ferguson. He would spend one final season with McGrath as teammates before the latter was sold.
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- Paul McGrath says Mark Hughes is the toughest player he ever faced
- Bryan Robson was the best player he played with, while Kevin Moran was the funniest
- McGrath made 193 appearances for United
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Paul McGrath overlooks Sir Alex Ferguson when naming his favourite manager
Although McGrath played under Ferguson, who to most of us is the greatest manager of all time, it’s no secret that he holds a place in his heart for Atkinson.
Ferguson had problems with McGrath when the Scot arrived at Old Trafford, whereas Atkinson was renowned for having a more lenient approach.
McGrath also had his struggles with injuries.
When asked to name his favourite manager from his career, McGrath added: “I think Ron [Atkinson] was a good manager. He was a lot of fun as well.”
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