Sir Alex Ferguson names the one Manchester United player he doubted the most before signing.
Sir Alex Ferguson, during his illustrious 27-year tenure at Manchester United, established himself as one of the greatest managers in history.
Amidst his 13 Premier League titles, numerous FA Cups, League Cups, and Champions League triumphs, Ferguson’s adeptness in the transfer market was evident.
However, even the mastermind behind bargains like Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, and Cristiano Ronaldo could err. Owen Hargreaves, despite his versatility, was a player Ferguson initially doubted before bringing him in.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ferguson candidly admitted that while Hargreaves showcased brilliance for England in the 2006 World Cup, his concerns about the player’s injury record lingered.
Ferguson wrote in his second autobiography, “[Hargreaves] could play right-back, wide right or central midfield.
“I played him wide right in the 2008 final against Chelsea, and when we started to struggle against their midfield three, I put him in the middle of the park with Rooney wide right and it worked.
“He had definite value. But it was all lost in the fog of his lack of games.
“Yet, Hargreaves was fantastic for England at the 2006 World Cup, plugging gaps, racing to the ball.
“I look back less fondly on our move for Owen Hargreaves, who was phenomenal in the summer of 2006 and was just the type of player we needed to fill the gap left by Keane.
“We started to put together a bid for him. But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. I didn’t feel a strong vibe about him.”
Furthermore, Ferguson candidly acknowledged Ralph Milne, signed from Third Division Bristol City in 1988, as his worst-ever signing.
He admitted in 2009, as per the Guardian: “My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it.”
Despite the modest fee of £170,000, Milne failed to make a significant impact, scoring only three goals in 22 games before being released in 1991.
Sir Alex Ferguson names one Man United player he doubted the most before signing.
Sir Alex Ferguson names one Man United player he doubted the most before signing.
