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Sir Alex Ferguson’s top TEN best buys:

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I read an article the other day naming Sir Alex Ferguson’s 10 worst signings and sales. Given his influence and managerial ability it’s only fair that we remind ourselves of what he has done right!  As such, here are 10 of his best signings.

1. Peter Schmeichel: Signed from Bronby in Denmark for a mere £530,000 in 1991. Schmeichel won 5 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Champions League and 1 UEFA Super Cup with United whilst also lifting the 1992 European Championship with Denmark during his time as a Manchester United player.

2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Signed for £1.5m in 1996, Solskjaer gained cult status at Old Trafford when his goal won the 1999 Champions League trophy. Solskjaer scored 91 goals in his 235 appearances for United and won 6 League titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 Inter Continental Cup.

3. Dennis Irwin: He first appeared on Fergie’s radar during the two epic semi final legs against Oldham back in 1990. He cost United £625,000 and made 368 appearances for United and in 12 years won 7 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup, 1 European Super Cup and 1 Inter Continental Cup.

4. Roy Keane: Signed in 1993 for a then British transfer record £3.75m but repaid that figure ten-fold. Keane went on to become a leader on the pitch and epitomised United’s drive towards domestic domination. He amassed 7 Premier Leagues, FA Cup, 1 Champions League and 1 Inter Continental Cup.

5. Gary Pallister: Signed for £2.3m then British record for a defender. Pallister formed a formidable central defensive partner ship with Steve Bruce through the 90’s. he won 317 appearances for United and collected 4 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup and 1 UEFA Super Cup.

6. Javier Hernandez: Signed for a reported £7m before the 2010 World Cup he has only been at United for a season. Already his record of 18 goals from 38 games is looking good and he is already a full Mexican international as well as winning a Premier League winners medal.

7. Chris Smalling: Signed for around £12m, Smalling looked a gamble but he has proved his worth already with his ability to play any different positions and his performances at U21 level have made many sit back and realise what Ferguson saw. He already has Champions League and International experience and a future regular starter for club and country is expected one he returns to full fitness.

8. Phil Jones: An undisclosed deal believed to be around £16.5m already looks good business. Comparisons with the great Duncan Edwards have made everyone stand up and take notice. Fitness permitted a certainty for the summers Euro 2012 tournament and Manchester United’s player of the season and England’s future captain.

9. Patrice Evra & Nemanja Vidic: Signed for around a combined £12.5m in the January of 2008, both have won 4 Premier Leagues, 3 League Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 Club World Cup. Evra has made over 180 appearances and Vidic has made over 165. Vidic is captain and Evra deputises whenever he doesn’t play. They have been key ingredients to United’s success over the last 5 years.

10. Eric Cantona: Amazingly United paid rivals Leeds United just £1.2m for the services of the flamboyant Frenchman. He went on to win 4 Premier Leagues and 2 FA Cups (scoring 3 goals in 2 finals) and is credited as a role model the “Fergie’s Fledglings” looked up to and learned from. When United play during December the “12 days of Cantona” still brings a smile to my face.

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  • Paul says:

    what about c.ronaldo

  • wes says:

    What about C.Ronaldo? Bought for around £12m sold in the region of £80m. A definite profit but although United had a decent season without him many United fans are still disappointed as to the details of his transfer. I guess until Real over throw Barcelona domestically and in Europe it’s easy for United fans to forget his exploits. He could of had another couple of seasons at United to confirm his OT legendary status.

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