Manchester United's Class Of 92 have gone on to become global superstars - but their first Red Devils contract paid just £250-per-week.
United's crop of youngsters included names such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs who went on to dominate world football with Sir Alex Ferguson.
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However, former academy star Keith Gillespie has revealed that all United starlets at that time started out on a low wage, at the request of Sir Alex.
"We got £46.75 [a week] as a first-year apprentice," he explained to UTD Podcast. "We used to think it was great when you got a win bonus for the A team because you got £4 for a win or £2 for a draw.
"With Sir Alex, even when we signed professional contracts - [David] Beckham, [Paul] Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville - our first-year contract was £230 a week.
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"We had all made first-team debuts and were in and around the first team, but he was a great believer that you had to go to that next level before you started earning the big money. It did keep you grounded."
In the case of Beckham, thinking of him on such a small wage is crazy considering his megastar status.
The former winger now owns American franchise Inter Miami and looks to make them a force in the MLS.
Neville and Scholes meanwhile now appear as pundits on TV regularly while also owning part of League Two side Salford City, alongside Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville.
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Gillespie went on to tell the story of how Ferguson helped him negotiate a better deal with Newcastle United, as the former Northern Ireland international was part of the dealt to bring Andy Cole to Old Trafford.
"We got to the hotel [in Sheffield], got on the hotel phone and rang home," the 45-year-old began.
"My mum answered and I explained the situation and the manager comes on to her and said: 'Look, is it OK if I do the deal and act as his agent?'
"She said she was happy enough with that. And I remember the manager said to me: 'When we go in here, don't say a word.'
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"We were on £230 a week and the contract was going up to £250 a week the next year, but I remember sitting at a big round table with Sir Alex, Kevin Keegan [Newcastle's manager], Freddy Shepherd, the chairman, Freddie Fletcher, the chief executive.
"I was sat with my head down and remember Sir Alex going: 'Well, Keith's on £600 a week at the minute and we want you to double it to £1,200.'
"I sort of looked up and he said [again]: '£600,' and gave me this look as if to say: 'Don't say a word here.' And Newcastle agreed to it right away."
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Paul Scholes, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Class of 92, Premier League, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville