Summary of Key Points
- Sir Alex Ferguson, despite great success, missed out on signing several iconic players for Manchester United for various reasons.
- Some of Ferguson`s most impactful signings included Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo, crucial figures in the club`s dominant era.
- Manchester United could have potentially fielded an even more star-studded team of English and European talent if Ferguson`s attempts to sign them had been successful.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United, during his remarkable 27-year tenure at Old Trafford, narrowly missed the opportunity to sign some of the most celebrated players in football history.
Sir Alex Ferguson`s Major Trophies at Man Utd
| Sir Alex Ferguson`s Man Utd Honours | |
|---|---|
| Trophy | Years won |
| Premier League | 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013 |
| Champions League | 1999, 2008 |
| FA Cup | 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004 |
| League Cup | 1992, 2006, 2009, 2010 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2008 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1991 |
| European Cup Winners` Cup | 1991 |
| Intercontinental Cup | 1999 |
| Community Shield | 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 |
While successfully developing top academy prospects like the famous `Class of 92` (David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville), Ferguson also excelled in the transfer market.
He recruited formidable talents such as Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, secured a midfield linchpin in captain Roy Keane, and built a strong defense with additions like goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van Der Sar, and defenders Steve Bruce, Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Patrice Evra.
However, Manchester United`s squad could have been even more formidable. Ferguson reportedly came close to signing a hypothetical dream team made up of iconic footballers who emerged since the 1990s but ultimately ended up elsewhere.
GK: Petr Cech
According to various reports and accounts, legendary Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech was a player on Sir Alex Ferguson`s radar. However, the move never materialised, and Cech went on to have a stellar career, most notably with Chelsea and Arsenal, becoming one of the Premier League`s greatest ever custodians.
