Paul Ince | Premier League and England icon
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Paul Ince is a former English footballer and manager.
Author | Peter Grainger
Ince played professionally from 1986 to 2007, starting his career with West Ham United and later representing Manchester United, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town and Macclesfield Town in England, as well as Inter Milan.
A closer look at his career
Ince spent the majority of his playing career at the highest level; after breaking through with his boyhood club West Ham United in the Second Division.
United lifted the FA Cup in his first season, overcoming Crystal Palace 1–0 in a replay at Wembley after the sides had shared a 3–3 draw in the first match. In both ties, Ince was deployed at right-back ahead of Viv Anderson, while his preferred role in central midfield was handed to Mike Phelan. Ince produced a standout display in the replay and was named man of the match.
The career of United icon and captain Bryan Robson started to wind down over the next four seasons until he departed to take charge of Middlesbrough in 1994. During that period, Ince partnered with a number of midfielders. His best came during the 1993/1994 season when Roy Keane arrived. One of his most memorable moments came in February 1994 when he found the net in a 2–2 Premier League draw against his former club West Ham at Upton Park.
Between that first FA Cup win and eventual departure, Ince won the Premier League twice, the League Cup and a Cup Winners Cup.
Career after Old Trafford
After two years in Italy, Ince returned to the Premier League with Liverpool. This shocked a huge amount of Manchester United fans who still adored him despite his departure back in 1995.
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He later represented Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the top flight before short spells with both Swindon Town and Macclesfield.
International Career
He played at Euro 1996, the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000, and became the first black player to captain England.
One of his finest performances for his country came in a World Cup Qualifier as England aimed to reach France '98. Ince delivered an outstanding performance as his country battled to a draw in Rome. Very few people will ever forget those pictures of Ince's head in a bandage towards the end of that game.
Ince the manager
After a spell as player-coach of Swindon, he retired from playing while player-manager of Macclesfield Town in 2007. He went on to manage Milton Keynes Dons, Blackburn Rovers, Notts County, Blackpool, and Reading. Since leaving Reading in 2023, Ince has been linked with several jobs but has yet to get back into management.
What did you think of Paul Ince as a player?
Liam C, a Manchester United fan, told us: "Is he the most underrated player in the history of Manchester United? He was a phenomenal player. Even in ’93 and ’94, when Eric got all the attention."
Danny added: "Paul Ince, for me, was our driving force, week in, week out, delivering 8 or 9 out of 10 performances. Keane took a back seat to Ince in his first season at the club, but what a pair they were."
Olivia T added: "Ince could do everything to a high standard, but his drive from the edge of our own box to the opposition box, his passing, shooting and tackling made him outstanding and he was a real big game player and leader."
