Naturally, having won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson has managed a plethora of outstanding players.

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Wayne Rooney to Roy Keane, the Scotsman has overseen the careers of some of the best players to ever grace the game. While he is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time, his success wouldn’t have been possible without possessing so many talented footballers.

Ferguson enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Aberdeen, as well as a fruitful spell at St. Mirren back in the 80s, but his most noteworthy tenure is obviously his illustrious 27-year reign at Old Trafford.

The Theatre of Dreams played host to an exceptional crop of players through multiple generations. With that said, here is the greatest XI of players who played under Sir Alex.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

In between the sticks, Peter Schmeichel narrowly pips Edwin van de Sar into the line-up. While both players were excellent, Schmeichel’s legacy as arguably the undisputed greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history means he edges the Dutchman. The Dane’s heroic shot-stopping led United to five Premier League titles, a Champions League, three FA Cups, a League Cup, four Community Shields and a UEFA Super Cup. Few goalkeepers come close regarding silverware amassed with one club.

At right-back, Gary Neville’s longevity and defensive solidity secure him a spot in this prestigious XI. While the likes of Antonio Valencia and Rafael took the torch from Neville and shone later in the Ferguson era, neither player got close to the level of the Englishman. He retired having only played for the Red Devils, making 602 appearances in the process.

Rio Ferdinand’s exceptional defensive abilities mean he cannot miss out. After signing from Leeds as an astute defender who had some deficiencies, he improved to become one of the best centre-backs in the game throughout his spell in Manchester. Many might argue that Ferdinand’s partner in crime, Nemanja Vidic, should be alongside him in this eleven, but it’s hard to look past Jaap Stam.

Unlike some of the others in this team, Stam didn’t spend the majority of his career at Old Trafford. He signed from PSV Eindhoven in 1998, led the Red Devils to a treble in his debut season, before leaving for Lazio in 2001, just three years later. In that time, his imperious defensive qualities established the Dutchman as one of the best centre-halves on the planet.

On the left-hand side of defence, some may argue for the magnificent and eccentric Patrice Evra, but the legendary Denis Irwin cannot be overlooked. Named as the third-best left-back in Premier League history behind only Ashley Cole and Andy Robertson, the Irishman had it all and was an indispensable figure in seven separate title-winning sides.

Midfielders

Forming the double pivot in Sir Alex’s dream team are Keane and Paul Scholes. Not only do both players merit their places based on their accomplishments and ability, but they actually formed an extremely functional partnership in real life for several years for United.

The two players had the perfect blend of attributes to create a world-class midfield. Keane brought the defensive nous, protecting the back four with his tough-tackling and exceptional ability to read the game. Meanwhile, Scholes was United’s playmaker for two decades, orchestrating Ferguson’s side’s build-up with his breathtaking passing.

Off the right, Ronaldo couldn’t be ignored. The Portuguese arrived as an 18-year-old prospect and developed into a global superstar under Sir Alex. Boasting electric pace, fancy step-overs and an eye for goal, the legendary manager honed Ronaldo’s skills so that he could become one of the greatest players of all time in his last few years at United, and for over a decade after that.

On the other flank, Ryan Giggs’ presence in this eleven was inevitable. While he developed into a central player in his latter years, for the majority of his career the Welshman was a marauding winger who played 941 games under Ferguson, scoring 168 goals and winning 13 Premier League titles in the process.

Forwards

Ferguson’s success ultimately derived from having several outstanding forwards who were elite at putting the ball in the back of the net. The likes of Robin van Persie, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Mark Hughes and Ruud Van Nistelrooy don’t make the cut, which highlights just how good the chosen two were.

Eric Cantona, United’s enigmatic figure in the 90s, spent five years in the north-west and produced countless moments of magic along the way. His technical quality and intelligence were on another level.

Rooney, among the best strikers the Premier League has ever seen, was United’s poster-boy during the glory years, breaking the club’s goalscoring record and winning five league titles in the process.

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 16-08-26.

Jeremy Jacquet scored on his Liverpool debut as the Reds played the second of their double-header friendly against Como on Sunday evening – but, besides getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win, the Frenchman has his new fanbase making another point about him.

Signed for an initial £55 million in February, with the then-Arne Slot side preparing for Ibrahima Konate to leave for Real Madrid on a free transfer, the former Rennes defender is now expected to take on a much larger role at Anfield, with injuries and sales leaving the squad looking thin on the ground in defence.

Partnering club captain Virgil van Dijk this weekend, those of a Liverpool persuasion got a perfect first glimpse at their new signing – and a strong verdict has now been cast ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Liverpool Fans Make Instant Ibrahima Konate Comparison with Jacquet

The ultimate yardstick for Jacquet’s success on Merseyside will be how well he compares to his predecessor, who, on his day, could be a world-class defender, but had the tendency to let his levels drop, making him an inconsistent figure for the Reds.

While it’s still very early days, many supporters were quick to suggest Jacquet, who had turned 21 last month, already looks like an upgrade on Konate. One X user remarked (watch his highlights below):

A second continued: “Jeremy Jacquet is looking an upgrade on Konate,” while a third wrote: “Don’t need to see more of Jacquet to confirm he is better than Konate.” Another highlighted: “The Kop already trying to get a Jeremy Jacquet chant going in the 15th minute after he makes a good tackle inside the area and then holds off a forward to clear.”

Elsewhere, a fifth concluded by waxing lyrical: “Jeremy Jacquet looks absolutely FANTASTIC. So, so good. The composure on the ball is ridiculous, the 1v1 defending has been excellent and he looks physically strong too. That’s MY centre-back, man.”

How Jacquet Performed on his Debut Statistically

Up until his halftime substitution, Jacquet was the highest-rated player, according to Sofascore, who scored him an 8/10, with only Tottenham-linked forward Cody Gakpo earning higher.

During an impressive 45 minutes, the young defender made six defensive contributions, including winning three of his five tackles, while he made three recoveries, one clearance, and won seven of his 10 ground duels – giving his partner a run for his money.

In possession, he was just as good. He completed one dribble, successfully completed nine carries, and scored from his one effort at goal. Adding to the composure he showed was his 93 per cent passing accuracy, which included three long balls.

Tottenham Hotspur should be looking to rival Arsenal for one of the best strikers on the planet by selling two of Roberto De Zerbi’s players.

A new centre-forward has been on the agenda throughout the summer and a move for Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi had been under consideration. That was until the young Frenchman suffered a foot injury during pre-season and the club have reportedly decided to wait until next year to pursue him.

That doesn’t mean a new striker isn’t on the cards and Spurs have been linked with plenty of alternatives. An ideal solution to add more firepower to De Zerbi’s squad is on their arch-rivals’ radar and could be on the move before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham Must Hijack Arsenal’s Osimhen Move

via Reuters

Arsenal are linked with Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and GIVEMESPORT sources understand that his name has come up in conversations between the two clubs. The Nigerian is one of the world’s most highly-rated forwards and he’s long been talked up for a move to the Premier League.

Ben Jacobs revealed on the latest episode of GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness that a transfer fee and wages could be an issue. But Spurs have shown they are willing to splash the cash this summer, having broken their transfer record to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £100 million.

Osimhen, dubbed “the best striker in the world”, is the Harry Kane heir that the Lilywhites have long been yearning for and he would be an unbelievable signing for De Zerbi. He’s not just a goalscorer; his all-round game is impressive, boasting a pacey and powerful profile that frightens defenders.

If Spurs are to sign a new striker this summer, the 27-year-old is the one they should be pursuing. Getting one over their North London rivals would be satisfying, as would be seeing a world-class frontman lead the line as Kane did throughout his prolific spell.

Time For Spurs To Sell Forward Duo

Spurs may need to consider moving one or two players on if they are to move for Osimhen. The finances involved in a potential deal are incredibly expensive and decreasing the club’s wage bill beforehand could prove beneficial.

Richarlison’s future has been uncertain for some time and the club are reportedly open to selling the Brazilian. But the player wants to stay in England and that could prove problematic.

The 29-year-old has had a topsy-turvy spell with the Lilywhites since arriving from Everton for £60m in July 2022. With a year left on his contract, now is the time to cash in on the former Everton attacker who earns a purported £90,000 per week.

Another forward whose time at Spurs hasn’t quite reached the anticipated heights is Dominic Solanke. The Englishman left Bournemouth to join the club back in August 2024 in a £65m deal, expected to help deal with Kane’s departure.

Solanke has endured injury troubles, missing 21 league games last season due to ankle and muscle problems. Earning £140,000 per week, moving the 28-year-old on feels necessary if the club want to hand De Zerbi an upgrade like Osimhen.