Ince inducted into National Football Museum Hall of Fame

Ince played at United from 1989 to 1995 and was an important part of the side that won the Premier League twice in a row in the 1992/93 and 1993/94 seasons, as well as the FA Cup in 1990 and 1994.

Away from Old Trafford, he played for West Ham United, Inter Milan and Liverpool, among other teams, during his impressive club career. He also became the first black England captain when he was given the national team's armband in the summer of 1993.

Now the player nicknamed 'the Guv’nor' has been inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to football.

"It feels great. It’s an honour," Incey told MUTV.

"Looking around this place and the players and to be a part of that… I look to my left and see Patrick Vieira’s shirt, Bryan Robson, you know. These people are legends in their own rights so to be a part of that is a nice feeling."

Our former midfield man describes the seasons at United as the highlight of his tremendous career.

"When I look back at all the clubs that I played for, it’s about winning. I won most of my things at Manchester United, a couple of titles, a couple of FA Cups,” he said.

"You know, in a long career, you always want something to show for it. It’s not about money, it’s not about anything else, it’s about having medals on the table.

"It was a fantastic six years I had there. I played with some great players, I played with my idol Bryan Robson in ’92 when we won the title in his last season. It was a fantastic time at Old Trafford."

As mentioned, in 1993, he became the first black player to wear the captain’s armband for the Three Lions. The man himself did not really think about it at the time, he was just proud to be the England captain.

"It was only when I got back, and had ten bags full of fan mail at my door from black people saying that I was an inspiration, when I realised the importance of it," Ince explained.

"You don’t forget your roots, you don’t forget where you come from. When I look back at it, it was a landmark for me.

"When I look back at it I thought 'Viv Anderson’s black, why wasn’t he the captain? He played for England before me. John Barnes, how come they’ve not been captains?' For me, it’s a great accolade."

The aforementioned Anderson was the man who presented Ince with the Hall of Fame award. He describes the former United man as a worthy inductee.

"Very much so. You look at what he has done in his career, from the early days at Manchester United. He said to me: 'I should have come here years ago.' I said: 'I tend to agree with you.' Yes, he’s a great acquisition, should I say."

Tim Desmond, the chief executive of the National Football Museum, was proud to invite Ince to the National Football Museum for the induction. Ince is the first inductee after the museum re-opened following the pandemic.

"Paul has done pretty much everything in the game. He’s been at some great clubs, not least Manchester United, and he was the first black England captain. He got his award from Viv Anderson, a perfect Hall of Famer. He’s under the resilient theme,” Desmond said before explaining the award further.

"It’s an outstanding contribution to the game of our lives. It’s about what they achieved in the game and their personality.

"Paul was certainly very, very resilient. A very focused and angry player, and he put his anger to best use by winning on the field. [The award is for] that career and what he has achieved outside the game. He’s obviously been a manager and now pundit and he was very well thought of at every club he’s been. I think he’s got the whole package.”

Congratulations, Incey!