Sharpe became one of the game's first poster boys, enjoying a career both on and off the pitch that attracted significant attention, and led to him fronting magazines such as Shoot, as well as the tabloids. Purely on the pitch though, Sharpe was a talented footballer. He transferred from Torquay United in 1988 as a young player, joining Manchester United where he would fulfill much of his early promise.
He made his debut aged 17 in 1988 and following the relative failings of new signing Ralph Milne, he was accelerated into Ferguson's first team thoughts. He finished the season with 30 appearances under his belt, before he added another 20 in the next season, which was to stand him in good stead for the future.
In the 1990-91 season, he would make his mark, becoming Manchester United's first choice left winger before reaching the age of 20. That year he would strike the ball into the top corner to score in United's thrashing of rivals Arsenal away from home - this would go down as one of his favourite footballing memories. He was named PFA Young Player of the Year at the end of the season.
Sharpe would make the England squad for the first time here too, showcasing his talent on the biggest stage. Despite this, Sharpe suffered a succession of injuries, including time out with viral meningitis in 1992. When he was back, he would have to vye for a place in the team with United's new flying wingers, Ryan Giggs and Andriy Kanchelskis.
Despite fluctuating between squad player and first team icon throughout his time at the club, Sharpe still managed to play an important role in United renewing their challenge for honours. He helped them to wrestle back the position as English football's top team, as they won the Premier League in 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1995-96, with the latter two both being doubles, with the FA Cup.
It was no surprise that Sharpe would go onto enjoy a lucrative career in television, starring on Celebrity Love Island, Dancing on Ice and on Saturday Night Takeaway. He has also featured as a football pundit for ESPN, BBC's Match of the Day and Football Focus over the years.
