Arsenal legend Liam Brady has revealed how his career very nearly took a different path had he not stood firm when Manchester United tried to secure his signature by offering his mother a washing machine.
Aged 15, Brady joined Arsenal in 1971 and established himself as a star in North London before leaving for Juventus in 1980.
He later spent 18 years back with the Gunners, working as Head of Youth Development and Academy Director before severing his ties in 2014.
But before signing with Arsenal, Brady held talks with United, managed by Tommy Docherty at the time.
"I nearly went to Manchester United as a kid," Brady said during a promotional event at the Aviva Stadium.
"The reason I didn't go was because Arsenal got in before them.
"The scout here in Ireland was a guy called Billy Behan. Because I was a Manchester United fan he thought I was nailed on.
"Then I went to London and Arsenal liked me and they looked after me."
The Red Devils even offered his mother a washing machine as part of the deal.
He added: "Manchester United actually offered my mother a washing machine for me to go there.
"But my mind was made up and a washing machine wasn't going to change it."
His mother tried to persuade him to accept the deal, though.
"She actually did," Brady said. "Now a kid gets a house and a car and his father gets a job for life."
Aged 15, Brady joined Arsenal in 1971 and established himself as a star in North London before leaving for Juventus in 1980.
He later spent 18 years back with the Gunners, working as Head of Youth Development and Academy Director before severing his ties in 2014.
But before signing with Arsenal, Brady held talks with United, managed by Tommy Docherty at the time.
"I nearly went to Manchester United as a kid," Brady said during a promotional event at the Aviva Stadium.
"The reason I didn't go was because Arsenal got in before them.
"The scout here in Ireland was a guy called Billy Behan. Because I was a Manchester United fan he thought I was nailed on.
"Then I went to London and Arsenal liked me and they looked after me."
The Red Devils even offered his mother a washing machine as part of the deal.
He added: "Manchester United actually offered my mother a washing machine for me to go there.
"But my mind was made up and a washing machine wasn't going to change it."
His mother tried to persuade him to accept the deal, though.
"She actually did," Brady said. "Now a kid gets a house and a car and his father gets a job for life."
