Kevin Melia

[FTBL_Planet @FTBL_Planet]

When Kieran Richardson was coming through at Manchester United, he was doing it a little differently to most of the other young players.

United wanted him to sign a professional contract.

His team-mates were already signing theirs.

But Richardson and his dad did not want to do it until he felt he had properly earned it.

“I don’t want to be a pro until I’m worthy of being a pro.”

So while other young players were suddenly earning proper money, Richardson was still on about £180 a week.

Then, on his 18th birthday, he was named on the bench for United in the Champions League.

It was away to Olympiacos in October 2002.

United were winning 3-2.

Every player who got on the pitch that night was due a win bonus.

£12,000.

For Richardson, that was life-changing money.

“I’m the guy who is on £180 a week.”

The game was almost finished when Ferguson suddenly turned to him.

“Kieran, get on the pitch now.”

“No warming up.”

Richardson started scrambling to get his kit sorted, knowing there were only a couple of minutes left.

“I’m like, ‘s***, get on quick.’”

Then, as he ran past Ferguson to go on, he got the birthday message.

“Happy birthday, son.”

That was it.

A few minutes on the pitch.

A Champions League debut.

And £12,000 landing in the account of a teenager who had been earning £180 a week.

“I saw £12,000, Champions League bonus.”

“Get me down to the Trafford Centre.”

“I’m buying some jeans and trainers.”

Years later, Richardson still saw it for what it was.

“What a nice guy.”
#football

[TobyWrites @tobyasky]

Just for a throw in, 3 players had to swap. It was already in extra time too. They waste their time, then cry afterwards.

Just look for yourself.

They waste all the time in the world for these demonic activities 😭😂😂😂

[Oli ★ @cocainsocialist]

Usually think people are harsh on him with the ‘performative’ thing but genuinely what the fuck is this

[When Football Was Better @FootballInT80s]

Where were you on 26/05/1999?

If you’re a Manchester United fan, that day will be etched in your memory forever.

Their first UEFA Champions League Final for 31 years appeared to be heading for heartbreak.

Trailing 1-0 to German giants Bayern Munich going into injury time, it seemed that Alex Ferguson’s men had nothing left….

Clive Tyldesley, sounding magnificent on comms, takes the story up.

[Anna @UTD_Anna_]

This is what paradise is all about - Sir Bobby Charlton ❤️❤️❤️

[These Football Times @thesefootytimes]

On what would’ve been his 80th birthday, here’s George Best doing what he did best — making defenders look silly.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@Setters83 @brucemillington Obviously need a good transfer window. Next season could be funny.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@Squawka_Live They'd take the same result.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

Ally McCoist after Cunha passes to a player 2 miles offside. #MUNTOT

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

Gary 'oooh' Neville. #CHEWHU

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@gordonhill54 @UtdForever7 @ManUtd @premierleague Odd comment from rene. Lammens has been solid. He can improve obv but very happy with his start.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@nickgoff79 I don't think the ashes were all that important in this hand really.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@RodneyMarsh10 Haha.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@alex_crook Lack of quality the main factor.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@Malachians Reminds me of when Noel left Oasis and they became Beady Eye.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@OliviaBuzaglo Foden every day of the week and twice on a Sunday.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@90sfootball Mark Highes for no reason other than he wore it I suppose.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@JessicaBlackTV They were good mates. Sheringham and Cole fell out and never spoke.

[Kevin Melia @EMYOUEFFSEE99]

@Sebastrigol @EiFSoccer Dumb comment.