When Promising Footballer Sean Connery Turned Down Manchester United’s Offer

Sean Connery with Ronaldinho (Picture courtesy www.90min.com)

Much before Sean Connery became a household name as Secret Intelligence Service officer James Bond, the Scottish youngster dreamt of becoming a full-fledged footballer. He had ample talent, and was once offered a trial by Manchester United, one of the world’s leading football clubs.

Connery, who passed away at the age of 90 on Saturday, started at Bonnyrigg Rose — a semi-professional Scottish lower division club — in the early 1950s, according to an Indian Express article.

He then got noticed by East Fife, which then featured in the third division of Scottish league. And then came the big offer from famous English club Manchester United.

Explaining the reason why he refused, Connery said in a 2005 interview in a Scottish magazine: “I really wanted to accept because I loved football. But I realised that a top-class footballer could be over the hill by the age of 30, and I was already 23.”

Sir Matt Busby, then-Manchester United manager, had spotted Connery playing against a local Manchester team, it was revealed in the actor’s biography. Impressed by Connery’s skills, Busby had offered him a £25-a-week contract.

The Scottish football association paid tribute to Connery.