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PICTURE: Manchester United contracts look very different and simple in the 1960s compared to today

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Pat Dunne is best remembered for his spells at Shamrock Rov...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.24 10 Oct 2016


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PICTURE: Manchester United con...

PICTURE: Manchester United contracts look very different and simple in the 1960s compared to today

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.24 10 Oct 2016


Share this article


Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Pat Dunne is best remembered for his spells at Shamrock Rovers in the 1960s and 1970s, but he also played for Manchester United.

The Dubliner joined United in 1964, and ended up spending three seasons at the club. In that time, he won a First Division title in 1964/65.

A letter from Manchester United to Dunne was found by the goalkeeper's grandson, and posted on the Reddit Soccer page. It shows how much the game has changed in half a century.

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Picture by: 00207197 / Reddit

Dated from April 1965, Dunne is offered a new two-year deal by the club, after a successful opening season. He was offered £35 a week by club secretary Les Olive. That is the equivalent of just over €500 today.

The letter to Dunne also shows the access players had to the club hierarchy to discuss their contracts. No agents were needed in the 1960s.

"If you wish to discuss any matter with Mr. Busby he will be available any morning at the ground", Dunne was told if he wanted to meet the manager Matt Busby. 

While a league-winning goalkeeper would be shocked at a contract offer so small nowadays, Dunne spent a further two years at Old Trafford. In comparison, Manchester United's current goalkeeper David de Gea is on a reported €220,000 wage each week.


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