Sir Alex Ferguson shocked fans when he revealed the sole player guaranteed a spot in his all-time greatest team during his tenure at Manchester United.
While many legendary players graced the pitch at Old Trafford during Ferguson’s time at United, the legendary tactician surprised everyone by naming the only player guaranteed to feature in his all-time greatest team.
Despite having iconic talents like Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and many other stars on his rosters, Ferguson’s definitive choice was unexpected.
As he reflected on his successful career that culminated in leading United to their most recent league title in 2013, Ferguson was asked to create his ultimate XI.
While numerous legendary names came to mind, in his interview with Sunday World, he said: “It is absolutely impossible.”
He expressed his admiration for the strikers he had managed, saying: ‘You look at the strikers I had, going back to [Brian] McClair, [Mark] Hughes, [Andy] Cole, Cantona, [Ruud] van Nistelrooy, [Louis] Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, [Dwight] Yorke, Teddy Sheringham.
He added: ‘Then to the present players — Wayne Rooney, [Robin] van Persie, Chicharito [Javier Hernandez]. How do you pick out of that? Cantona and somebody else maybe?’
He also mentioned great players that played crucial roles in solidifying United’s midfield adding that: ”The midfield was probably a bit easier because you have [Roy] Keane, [Bryan] Robson and Scholes — they were fantastic players — and [David] Beckham, Ronaldo and [Ryan] Giggs.”
Despite this, Ferguson made it clear in his autobiography that Denis Irwin had a secure spot in the team’s first XI as a full-back.
In Ferguson’s own words: “Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in the team. I called him an eight out of 10.”
Ferguson recounted a moment at Highbury where Irwin made a rare mistake leading to a goal by Dennis Bergkamp.
When asked about it by the press, Ferguson responded by praising Irwin’s consistency over the years: “Well, one mistake in 10 years isn’t bad. He was an unbelievable player.”
Denis Irwin’s Stats and Achievements at Manchester United
Denis Irwin is widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs to ever play for Manchester United.
The Irish defender joined Manchester United in 1990 from Oldham Athletic and went on to have a highly successful 12-year career at the club.
Irwin was an integral part of the Manchester United team that dominated English football in the 1990s and early 2000s under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was known for his solid defensive skills, versatility, and ability to contribute to the attack with his precise crossing and set-piece abilities.
During his time at Manchester United, Irwin made a total of 529 appearances and scored 33 goals.
He won a total of seven Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League, and one UEFA Super Cup during his time at the club.
In addition to his team success, Irwin also achieved individual accolades during his time at Manchester United. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year four times and won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1993.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Achievement at Manchester United
During his time as manager of Manchester United, Alex Ferguson achieved numerous accomplishments, making him one of the most successful managers in the history of English football.
In nearly three decades at the helm, the Scotsman won the Premier League 13 times and lifted the Champions League twice.
Ferguson won 5 FA Cup wins, 4 League Cup titles and 10 Community Shield.
