Oh how Manchester United fans must be longing for the days of Sir Alex! Perhaps the greatest manager to ever grace the Premier League….no no….THE greatest manager to grace the Premier League was known for many things….winning, hairdryers, chewing gum, Fergie time and building a team of kids to win the Premier League. But what about his transfer policies? What were the greatest transfer the Scotsman managed to pull off…. Let us take a look at the candidates.
Eric Cantona has got to come near the top when discussing Fergie’s biggest transfers. He saw something in the Frenchman that many didn’t and a few eyebrows were raised when he signed from Leeds but within a few seasons the doubters had been proven wrong. A lynchpin in the team, a creative inspiration and a playmaker…all topped off with the goals to match. There was certainly no gambling in french casino with this masterly French signing.
Roy Keane drove three of four incarnations of Fergie’s united team. Whether it was the driving runs forward or the defensive organisation, Keane kept the united team ticking, did the little things right and missing Keane, perhaps more than Cantona, could have resulted in an emptier trophy cabinet.
Rio Ferdinand Big money was involved yes, but when Fergie wanted his man, he got him. Rio Ferdinand is perhaps the most complete English defender of his generation and Fergie saw he had all the tools…the pace, the height, the play with the ball and the confidence. Ferdinand kept the united net empty season after season and the big money was repaid in full.
Andy Cole Hearts were broken on Tyneside when the league’s top scorer was lured by the bright lights of Old Trafford. A record fee brought pressure but Cole ensured he repaid the faith and after taking 5-6 games to adapt, he hit form, scoring goal after goal and being the key finisher in sweeping united moves. Deadly, a record second to none and a man to depend on. Breaking the bank was worth it!
Cristiano Ronaldo Do I really need to add anything here? If anyone ever tells you Fergie couldn’t spot a young foreign talent, sign them and then develop them into world-class players….the just say one thing…CR7
Mark Hughes – The late 1980s were not a good tie for Fergie and he needed some fire power. Over in Barcelona, “Sparky” was struggling for form, home sick and in need of a fan base to love him. Plus there were rumours he had invested in www.newzealandcasinos.io , £1.8 million later and Mark Hughes was at old Trafford where he would stay for 6 years, score bags of goals, lift lots of trophies and prove that sticking with Fergie in those late 1980s days was well worth it
Any of the above lists catch your attention? Is there someone we have missed? Stay tuned for part 2 when we look at a selection of other signings Ferguson made. Interesting fact….how many total players did Alex Ferguson sign from other clubs whilst at Manchester United? Answer will follow in Part 2
