Former England winger Lee Sharpe endured a tough time at Leeds after leaving Manchester United and resorted to boozing during a long injury layoff

During one of his lowest times in his career, a former Leeds and Manchester United player admitted to drinking 15 pints a day.

Lee Sharpe is most known for his eight-year stint at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Sharpe moved to Leeds in search of regular first-team play after being displaced on the left wing by Ryan Giggs.

His time at Elland Road was cut short by injury, as he tore a cruciate ligament in his knee on the eve of the 1997/98 season, putting him out for the full season. Sharpe was then subjected to harsh treatment from manager George Graham, who did not make things easy for wounded players.

“George

“You had to arrive at training before everyone else, so you had to drive through rush hour.” After they’d finished eating, you had to do a session. You did a three-hour session, so you’d have to go through rush hour again at five o’clock.

“He was just making everything awkward, so it was a really depressing, dark time to be injured.” It appeared as if all of the wounded players were being punished. It made it twice as difficult.”

When asked if he went out drinking during his long layoff, Sharpe replied, “At first, I did.” I’m not a big drinker. I can drink and stay awake for a while, but then I’m like, ‘okay, now I need to sleep’.

“On a good day, my pint limit is seven or eight, followed by a couple of shorts to see me out.” I believe I was out at the time, drinking 15 pints but not feeling intoxicated due to the circumstances. I was drinking 15 pints per day.”