Sir Alex Ferguson proved his ultimate class with his message to Kieran Richardson after he handed the ex-Manchester United talent his debut for one major reason.
Kieran Richardson was part of the youth set-up at West Ham before he became part of the Manchester United academy during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at the club.
The 39-year-old made 81 appearances during his time at Old Trafford and scored 11 times and registered four assists for the Red Devils.
Richardson, who had a loan spell at West Brom during his playing career at United, lifted a Premier League title and a League Cup under Red Devils legend Ferguson.
The former United player would leave Old Trafford in 2007 and sign for Sunderland, with Richardson making 149 appearances for the Black Cats.
Richardson later played for Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff City before his time in professional football came to an end in 2017.
Richardson on Man Utd and Ferguson
Kieran Richardson made his debut for Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson included him in his Champions League clash against Olympiacos.
United were in Group G for the 2001-02 season and played against Deportivo La Coruna, Olympiacos and Lille before reaching the knockout stages.
Ferguson’s men fell short of reaching the final of the Champions League after Bayer Leverkusen knocked the Red Devils out in the semi-finals.
During the encounter at the Georgios Kamaras Stadium in 2002, United secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Olympiacos to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals.
Laurent Blanc opened the scoring for United in the first half before Juan Sebastian Veron doubled the Red Devils’ advantage in the second half in Greece.
Olympiacos fought back and scored twice in four minutes against United thanks to Lampros Choutos and Predrag Dordevic.
However, Paul Scholes struck for United in the 84th minute to ensure the Red Devils’ win, with Richardson coming off the bench late in the second half for the match.
Speaking on the BroadTalks podcast in 2022, he 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.”
Ferguson’s message to Richardson
Ferguson realised that United players would receive a bonus for winning the match against Olympiacos and wasted no time in subbing Richardson onto the pitch.
Richardson hilariously revealed that Ferguson wished him a happy birthday as he walked past him before securing a £12,000 bonus for playing in the match.
“It was extra-time and he said, ‘Kieran, get on the pitch now, no warming up,’ because he knew the bonuses United were getting for winning,” he continued.
“I’m like, ‘S**t, get on, quick,’ and while I’m going past he said, ‘Happy birthday, son.’ Bang, £12,000. Sick.”
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