Manchester United legend’s son spared jail after family violence

Manchester United’s preparations for a demanding festive schedule continue, with injuries easing and key players returning to training, such as Benjamin Sesko as CentreDevils exclusively revealed he returned to individual grass training.

Supporters have been encouraged by the team’s resilience in last night’s fixtures against Wolves.

Off the pitch, the club community has been reflecting on the long-term contributions of its former greats, as debates resume around the importance of safeguarding player welfare beyond their playing days.

The spotlight on United’s heritage has grown even brighter following recent tributes to icons from the Busby era.

But behind that nostalgia lies a reminder that families connected to the club are not immune to difficult moments.

It has now emerged that the eldest son of Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand has avoided jail after a disturbing incident at the family’s home resulted in his sister suffering a broken shoulder, as the Manchester Evening News reported.

According to court proceedings, Patrick Crerand Junior, 61, was involved in a heated argument with his younger sister Lorraine after spending the evening watching football with their father, the 86-year-old former United midfielder.

During the confrontation, he pushed her, causing her to fall against a radiator.

Lorraine left the property unaware of the extent of her injury, only discovering the following day that she had broken her clavicle after experiencing what she described as “excruciating pain.”

When confronted about the incident, Patrick Crerand Junior dismissed any wrongdoing, telling one of her friends: “She fell over p***** why are you believing an alcoholic for God’s sake.”

Lorraine later went to the police, explaining that her injury left her unable to dress herself, clean her home, or care for her elderly parents without help.

At Bolton Crown Court, Crerand Jnr admitted recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.

He received a 12-month restraining order preventing any contact with his sister and a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, with the judge acknowledging his ongoing caring responsibilities for Paddy Snr and his wife Noreen, both in their mid-80s.

Judge Jon Close condemned his actions, telling him: “Your sister was left with an injury.

“She had to receive treatment for a broken right shoulder… There is no justification for you to lay your hands on anyone.”

He also noted a concerning degree of “victim blaming” in Crerand Jnr’s attitude.

Crerand Jnr will also serve an eight-week curfew from 10pm to 6am and complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

Paddy Crerand, a beloved figure at Old Trafford, played under Sir Matt Busby and helped United win two league titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup.

The difficult episode has cast a shadow over the family of one of the club’s most respected icons, highlighting the complex realities that can exist behind footballing legends.