Heading from Man United to Finn Harps is a step down, even the most ardent of League of Ireland fans would accept that. If not, we'd like to have a chat with them as there's a very entertaining interview to be done.

But the reality of the professional football landscape is such that it's not an unimaginable step down. The difference between 'making it' in England and falling short can be minuscule at times and Irish youngsters are increasingly learning how the League at home is a more than acceptable fall back plan.

He's certainly not the only one in recent seasons but the fact that Ryan McConnell swapped Old Trafford for Finn Park in November certainly attracted some additional interest. Injury meant that the Donegal native only managed one u21 appearance in the last season of his contract. Now he's gearing up for his first season in the League of Ireland as Harps return to the Premier Division.

And although he's very much looking to the future, McConnell has some very interesting insights to share from his time at Old Trafford. During a refreshingly frank interview in today's Herald, McConnell has spoken about how things changed significantly over the course of his contract as Alex Ferguson made way for David Moyes before Louis van Gaal took charge and things changed noticeably.

In my last year there under Van Gaal, it was all very separate and you didn't get to see the senior players, it didn't feel like a family club anymore. When Fergie was there it was great, everyone was in together, everyone spoke to everyone and no one was bigger than anyone else. The senior players would have spoken to you in the gym, ask how you were getting on, but towards the end, I felt they were being propelled to being like gods at the club. To me, you're the same person if you're in the Man United first team or not.


It must be said, this isn't someone who has a vendetta against Van Gaal taking completely unnecessary swipes. It's a refreshingly honest take from someone inside the club about how things changed on the most basic level after Ferguson left the club.

The suggestion that Van Gaal's squad have been 'propelled to being like gods' is something that's sure to pique the interest of Man United fans given the seemingly ever decreasing standing of the club over the past couple of years.

See also: The Irish Youngster To Keep An Eye On From Every Premier League Club

See also: Finn Harps Sign Former Man United U21 Captain Ahead Of Premier Division Return