The former Aston Villa star reveals his worst opponent who he described as a ‘tough man’ during his playing years. 

The former Aston Villa star who has been considered as one of the best talents in Irish football history, Paul McGrath, recalled his days in Villa Park. He was known as one of the top defenders in the Premier League due to his physical prowess and pace. 

The ex-Irish international who played in two FIFA World Cup editions recently revealed who had been his worst opponent on the pitch during his playing years, in the Macca and the Beast podcast, as reported in Give me Sport. 

“I played against Sparky [Mark Hughes] one time. Tough, tough man. A brilliant footballer as well, but a tough man. He would give the kicks back.” 

McGrath’s former teammate

Mark Hughes was actually Paul McGrath’s former teammate in Manchester United. The Welshman was considered one of United’s and Wales’ finest talents alongside Ryan Giggs during their playing years before the emergence of Gareth Bale. 

McGrath and Hughes played together for the Red Devils for four years, from 1982 to 1986, before the latter plied his trade in Spain to join Barcelona. Unfortunately, his spell in Catalan was short-lived. His first season was disappointing, only registering five goals and two assists in 37 games. He was then loaned out to Bavaria with Bayern Munich. 

The Welsh frontman did slightly better with the Bundesliga giant. He managed to score seven goals and provided one assist in 23 games. Yet, Die Roten went trophyless during the 1987/88 season, his only campaign in Germany before returning to Old Trafford. Apparently, his aggressive style of play only suited British football, not in Europe. 

McGrath himself left United in 1989 or a year after Hughes’ return and stayed in Villa until 1996. Both of them did play against each other several times. 

McGrath vs Hughes head-to-head record

McGrath and Hughes faced off 12 times. United was certainly more dominant than Villa. It was twice each from 1989/90 to 1991/92 season and three times in the 1992/93 and 1993/94. Yet, there were times when The Lions were able to snatch a victory over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

The former Irish defender did well while playing against them as Hughes was only able to score three times. It was the only goal of the game in the First Division 1991/92, an equaliser while both shared spoils in a 1-1 draw in the first season of Premier League 1992/93 and the consolation goal in EFL League Cup final 1993/94 when Villa defeated United 3-1 at Wembley.

Meanwhile, McGrath only managed to contribute an assist in the clash at home in the 1993/94 season. At that time, Ron Atkinson’s men slumped to a 2-1 loss to United in the league.