One former Manchester United star has kept a drastically low profile since hanging up his boots and now even often goes by a different name.
The former Red Devil in question is Brian McClair, a first team regular during his time at Old Trafford and one of Sir Alex Ferguson's first signings after taking the reins. The ex-United midfielder enjoyed great success in the famous shirt, making more than 350 appearances for the club between 1987 and 1998.
McClair has distanced himself from the glory days of plying his trade in the heart of United's midfield and now looks significantly different to how he did back then. The Scot now dons a big grey beard with long, shoulder-length grey locks and spends his time podcasting.
Speaking on his podcast, Life with Brian, he once confessed that his new look often puzzles fans who still remember him from his Old Trafford days.
"It happens an awful lot more than I ever imagined it would, particularly the fact I’m covered in this lovely grey stuff that’s growing out of my face," McClair explained. "It’s entertaining listening.
"Sometimes I’ve been in situations where my name has cropped up and they’ve no idea it’s me, which is pretty bizarre. What I tend to say now when they ask if I’m Brian McClair is 'I used to be', which is quite flummoxing for a lot of people. How can you used to be? Who are you now? What are you now?"
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McClair also admitted he often introduces himself under a different name, 'Chocrates', in reference to the 'Choccy' nickname he had as a United player, because "I'm a philosopher now."
The four-time Premier League winner explained how fans often ask his friends for autographs instead of him as his appearance throws them off, though he recalled one incident which left a fan with the wrong impression.
McClair explained how a fan asked his friend for an autograph, which prompted the fan in question to declare "no that’s not Brian McClair."
The ex-United ace added: "My mate handed me a bit of paper and I signed it. The guy was totally disgusted and turned to my mate and said: “What kind of f*****g person are you? Can’t you even f*****g sign an autograph?"
McClair is fondly remembered by the United faithful and clearly has a strong affection for the club.
After spending more than a decade at Old Trafford as a player, McClair returned to the club and spent nine years as United's Director of Youth Academy between 2006 and 2015.
