In football, the attacking players tend to get most of the glory. After all, only two defenders Franz Beckenbauer and Fabio Cannavaro) and one goalkeeper (Lev Yashin) have ever won the Ballon d’Or. Sir Alex Ferguson, however, seemed to have a great appreciation for one iconic defender.

Having won a record number of 13 Premier League titles during his time as Manchester United manager, and two Champions Leagues as well, the Scottish coach would have known better than most that any successful team must rely on a sturdy backline. Perhaps this explains why he held one man in such high regard.

Indeed, Ferguson once went on record as saying that he preferred a certain centre-back over the likes of Lionel Messi, Kaka and Zinedine Zidane.

Ferguson Loved ‘Wonderful’ Italian Defender

For many, Paolo Maldini is regarded as one of the best defenders in football history. He spent his entire career with AC Milan, lifting three Champions Leagues and a whopping seven Serie A titles. He also played 126 times for Italy, as he marshalled his nation’s defence for a number of years.

Ferguson was a huge fan of the centre-back. As quoted by TalkSport, he even said he preferred Maldini over some of the most exciting footballers of the 21st century:

Ferguson Wanted Maldini at Man Utd

It’s not the only time Ferguson has spoken fondly about Maldini either. Indeed, he once revealed he tried to sign the player, only to get a rather strong rebuttal from the player’s father Cesare (who also played for AC Milan, playing 412 times for the Italian club).

Ferguson recalled: “I once asked Maldini’s father Cesare about him. He looked at me as if I was a madman and that response was enough to understand that the answer would be no.”

He also rated fellow Italians Gianfranco Zola and Francesco Totti, remarking: “I also loved Gianfranco Zola a lot. He always played with a smile and with the right sporting spirit,” before then adding:

“Totti is the symbol of Roma, he’d never want to leave the club just like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at United. Totti needs to be kept at a certain level for Roma, just as I do at United. I may not let Giggs play every week but he’s always there. It could be the same for Totti.”

Unfortunately for Ferguson, Italian’s moving to the Premier League has never been a really popular pipeline. In fact, only six men from that country have won the competition: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Federico Macheda (Manchester United), Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea), and Massimo Taibi (Manchester United) – with most of them only playing a bit-part role.

Had Maldini ended up at Man Utd, though, it’s hard to imagine him achieving anything other than great success under Ferguson.

Southampton are expected to sign Manchester City forward Divin Mubama on loan for the season, GIVEMESPORT understands.

The Saints are in the market for a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window after it was confirmed that Ross Stewart, who has now signed for Swansea City, would leave the club at the end of his contract.

Cyle Larin did see his loan move turned permanent this summer, while the Saints also have Damion Downs, who spent last season out on loan, and Cameron Archer as options through the middle of attack.

In terms of outgoings, Southampton are set to lose midfielder Shea Charles, with Fulham agreeing a £30m fee to secure his signature.

The Saints will be hoping to gain promotion to the Premier League, but they’ve been dealt a tricky start due to a four-point deduction heading into the new season.

Southampton expected to sign Man City starlet

Southampton are expected to secure the signature of Manchester City forward Divin Mubama on loan for the 2026/2027 season, GMS understands.

Mubama spent last season on loan at Stoke City, but he suffered an ankle injury in January, before bouncing back to full fitness in pre-season.

The 21-year-old has impressed during pre-season with Man City, scoring twice, including against Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Mubama made the move to Man City back in 2024, joining the club from West Ham following the expiration of his contract.

He’s struggled to break into the senior squad so far, but that’s hardly a surprise given his age and the number of superstar attackers in the side.

Big season ahead for Southampton

With the Saints being so close to gaining promotion to the Premier League last season, it’s a huge campaign approaching.

Southampton were, of course, deducted points while also being expelled from the Championship playoffs for spying on opposition teams during the 2025/2026 season.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the club and supporters, and there’s no doubt the Saints need to put things right on the pitch.

Automatic promotion might be difficult due to the quality of sides in the league next term, but a playoff push certainly shouldn’t be out o f the question for the south coast side.