Paul McGrath (footballer)

Paul McGrath

McGrath in 2018
Personal information
Full name	Paul McGrath[1]
Date of birth	(1959-12-04) 4 December 1959 (age 64)[1]
Place of birth	Greenford, England
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s)	Centre back[1]
Youth career
	Fatima Rangers
	Dalkey United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1981–1982	St Patrick's Athletic	26	(4)
1982–1989	Manchester United	163	(12)
1989–1996	Aston Villa	253	(9)
1996–1997	Derby County	24	(0)
1997	→ Sheffield United (loan)	7	(0)
1997–1998	Sheffield United	5	(0)
Total		478	(25)
International career
1985–1997	Republic of Ireland	83	(8)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Paul McGrath (born 4 December 1959) is an Irish former professional footballer, who played as a defender. McGrath is widely considered to be one of the greatest defenders of all time and was known by the nickname 'God' at Aston Villa. Mainly a centre back, he also played as defensive midfielder. He spent the majority of his career at Villa and Manchester United (seven seasons apiece). He is one of only six defenders to have won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He also played for St Patrick's Athletic, Derby County and Sheffield United.

Also a long-time member of the Republic of Ireland national team, he appeared at the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1988, the team's first-ever international tournament.