Many football fans would contend that during his illustrious 26-year tenure as Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson collaborated with a large range of elite players. The man himself, however, made the contentious assertion that just four of his former teammates were genuinely worthy of being considered world-class.
Ferguson’s list did not include David Beckham, but the English legend was by no means the only one left off. Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Peter Schmeichel were among the other well-known players that Fergie did not consider to be of the highest caliber.
Many of those former United players, along with a few more, would be considered world-class by other players. But to disagree with Ferguson, who was perhaps the best football manager in history—especially after working with these guys on a daily basis—would take courage.
Ferguson Names Four Players ‘World-Class’
Cantona, Eric
Even after kung-fu kicking a Crystal Palace supporter, Eric Cantona, arguably the only Manchester United player to escape Ferguson’s notorious hairdryer treatment, nearly single-handedly changed the team’s fortunes after joining from Leeds United in 1992 for £1 million.
During his brief five-year tenure at Old Trafford, the erratic Frenchman won two FA Cups and four Premier League championships, solidifying his place among the team’s all-time greats. Cantona exuded confidence, and this quality of his personality surely contributed to his exceptional skill as a football player.
The Premier League Stats of Eric Cantona
Looks
156
Objectives
70
Helps
56
Awards for Player of the Month
One
Titles in the Premier League
4.
Giggs, Ryan
Ryan Giggs has made more appearances for Manchester United than any other player in the team’s 146-year existence (963). Giggs was one of Ferguson’s key players who helped the Red Devils win a record 13 Premier League crowns, four FA Cups, four League Cups, and two UEFA Champions Leagues.
The Welshman retired as one of the most decorated players of all time, and because Ferguson’s teams were so full of famous players, his exploits were frequently overlooked. His trophy-lined cabinet of silverware was impressive. Giggs established himself as a true legend at Old Trafford, where he was regarded as one of the most thrilling talents to ever grace the pitch because of his clutch moments and crazy runs.
Premier League Stats for Ryan Giggs
Looks
632
Objectives
109
Helps
162
Awards for Player of the Month
2.
Titles in the Premier League
13.
Ronaldo Cristiano
Under Ferguson, one of the greatest football players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, transformed from a little kid to a man, and the two still enjoy a fantastic father-son bond. Ronaldo, who spent six seasons at Old Trafford and won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League, is the only player of the twenty-first century to have won the Ballon d’Or at Man United.
The sensational goal scorer has built a career that is superior to most, earning him the moniker “Mr. Champions League.” Who are we to argue with him as he has contributed the most goals and assists (combined) in Europe’s most prominent competition?
Statistics for Cristiano Ronaldo in the Premier League
Looks
236
Objectives
103
Helps
37
Awards for Player of the Month
6.
Titles in the Premier League
3.
Like his former teammate Giggs, Paul Scholes is a one-club man who is considered by many to be among the best English football players of all time. Scholes, who was endowed with extraordinary vision and skill, would set the pace of the most important games and score some of the most spectacular goals in the club’s history.
Over the years, a number of legendary players, including Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane, have made extremely positive remarks about the retiring midfield player, and it’s simple to see why. Scholes was able to influence games at his own pace and was gifted enough to pass on a sixpence. A real legend in the Premier League.
The Premier League Stats of Paul Scholes
Looks
499
Objectives
107
Helps
55
Awards for Player of the Month
4.
Titles in the Premier League
11.
Ferguson gave Ronaldo special recognition.
To Fergie, Cristiano was the most important player.
According to The Independent, Ferguson claimed in his 2015 book “Leading” that only Lionel Messi and Ronaldo could be regarded as “world-class” at that time, naming the four players he had overseen during his remarkable 26-season tenure at Old Trafford who he firmly feels deserved that title. The renowned manager stated:
“I don’t intend to disparage or criticize any of the outstanding football players who played for me during the course of my 26-year tenure at United, but only four of them were truly exceptional: Cantona, Giggs, Ronaldo, and Scholes. Cristiano was the most like a Christmas tree ornament out of the four.
Ferguson Explained His Decisions
A legend of Manchester United claimed they were the difference.
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