McShane recalls parting of ways from United

Irish defender Paul McShane, pictured, has shed some colourful light on his decision to leave Manchester United in 2005 after it became increasingly clear his opportunities at Old Trafford would be severely limited.

“There was a lot of competition at United — the likes of Jonny Evans and Gerard Pique,” he recalls.

“I got that. Your sixth sense picks up those things. I had a year left on my contract at Man United and I went in to see Alex Ferguson. I ended up handing in a transfer request to go. They were interesting times!