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.”
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