Sir Alex Ferguson has spent an awful lot of money during his time at Old Trafford. In the past few months he has splashed the cash to secure the services of Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, and the proud Scot is not finished yet - not by any means.
However, the great man has not always struck gold in the transfer market. Last week we highlighted five of his biggest transfer blunders. But today we are going to turn the spotlight on the five signings that sparkled for United.
Squarefootball's James Connolly has looked back over Sir Alex's past 26 years and picked out his five golden transfers.
Steve Bruce
The rock at the back of United’s back four in the late 80s/early 90s was bought for around £800,000. He was a leader for Manchester United. Dubbed by many as the greatest English player never to receive an international call up, it was his partnership with Gary Pallister which people will remember him for. Many comparisons have been made between Gary Pallister and Steve Bruce’s partnership to Vidic and Ferdinand today with their similar styles in play. Bruce went on to win four league titles for United and three FA Cups, putting his name down as one of United’s all-time great centre backs.
Peter Schmeichel
The Great Dane, with his intimidating stature, was one of the greats of our generation. After moving to United for £505,000 he went on to establish himself in the Manchester United fold. After helping United win their first league title in 26 years he went on to keep 22 clean sheets in the 1992/93. He also guided United to the Treble in 1999 where a string of great saves saw them complete this incredible feat. Schmeichel was an absolute bargain.
Eric Cantona
King Eric, what more can I say? Handed the number 7 jersey after a £1.2 million move to the Red Devils from Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, the Frenchman became a cult hero at Old Trafford. With his sheer presence on the pitch and the ability to produce magic at any moment, he was voted Manchester United’s greatest ever player by Inside United magazine. Besides his outrageous antics on the pitch, with rash tackles and karate kicking fans, people will remember him for his FA Cup Final goal against Liverpool, as well as his iconic celebration against Sunderland to round off a sublime goal. He simply stood there puffed his chest out and knew that the Theatre of Dreams was where he belonged.
Roy Keane
If you’re looking for a player that wears his heart on his sleeve and plays with passion week in week out then Roy is your man. Having been Sir Alex Ferguson's British record signing at £3.75 million it didn’t take him long to establish himself as a cult hero. His late winner in the Manchester derby in 1993 propelled him to being a fans' favourite. Keane received the captaincy in 1997/98 season and went on to be one of the best United have ever had, winning seven league titles, four FA Cups and of course the Champions League. Although suspended he was inspirational in the run up to the final.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Somewhat of a controversial player to have on this list but, I’m sorry, any player that has over 118 goals in 292 appearances from a midfield position is truly impressive. After a match between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United several players approached Sir Alex and recommended the talented young player Cristiano, and with a little scouting from Fergie he got his man at £12.4 million. With the pressure of wearing the number 7 jersey, he stepped up to the plate after winning PFA Player of the Year, as well as Young Player of the Year. He went on to win three league titles as well as the Champions League and any player that is sold for £80 million can’t be too bad of a player!
Article by James Connolly
So there you have it. They are Fergie's top five signings according to James, but do you agree or disagree? Whatever your view, we'd love to hear from you.
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