On the last day of December, former long-time "Man Utd" coach and guarantee of victories Alex Ferguson celebrates his birthday.
During his 26-year tenure with the Scottish "Red Devils," he won numerous titles, including becoming Premier League champions thirteen times, triumphing in the UEFA Champions League twice, winning the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
The foreign press decided to compile a list of the 10 best A. Ferguson acquisitions in the transfer market:
David De Gea (signed from Madrid's "Atletico" for £18 million)
A promising footballer, purchased in 2011 for a record sum for his position in the Premier League, initially struggled in Manchester, but later proved himself and, at just 24 years old, is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Steve Bruce ("Norwich," £825,000)
An excellent defender who formed an impenetrable wall in the center with Gary Pallister. In one season, he scored 19 goals and later successfully started a coaching career.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy (PSV, £19 million)
The sniper of the Dutch league had to wait for his debut in "Man Utd." After signing with the "Red Devils" in 2000, he later suffered a serious leg injury and had to miss a year of football. Ruud repaid Ferguson for his patience with fantastic performances - he scored 150 goals in 219 matches.
Dennis Irwin ("Oldham," £625,000)
A reliable defender who defended the colors of "Man Utd" 527 times. A penalty kick specialist, he scored a total of 33 goals during his career in Manchester.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ("Molde," £1.6 million)
The "baby-faced assassin." A relatively unknown player who became a global star and impressed with remarkable performances after rising from the bench. Among them - 4 goals in 12 minutes.
Of course, everything is overshadowed by the precise strike in the final seconds during the 1999 Champions League final against Munich's "Bayern."
Nemanja Vidic (Moscow's "Spartak," £7 million)
The Serbian tough guy became known worldwide for his strength, determination to fight, play in the "second tier," and leadership qualities. He helped "Man Utd" win 5 Premier League titles in 8 seasons, was named in the league's season eleven four times, and was voted the best player in the English championship in 2009.
Roy Keane ("Nottingham Forest," £3.75 million)
An aggressive and determined leader willing to crush opponents for victory. Keane was the captain of "Man Utd" for 8 seasons, and his winning mentality in the center of the pitch pushed his teammates to excel.
Cristiano Ronaldo ("Sporting," £12.25 million)
Now considered one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo arrived in Manchester at the beginning of his career at just 18 years old. He was later sold for a record sum to Real Madrid, but until then, he helped the team win numerous trophies, including the Champions League tournament, where they defeated Chelsea in the final. In 2009, by selling Ronaldo, the "Red Devils" earned a whopping £67.75 million.
Peter Schmeichel ("Brondby," £750,000)
Considered the best goalkeeper of his era in the Premier League, Schmeichel left "Man Utd" in 1999 after winning three tournaments in one season. In 2000, Ferguson referred to the Danish acquisition as an "eternal deal." Later, the "Red Devils" had to greatly adjust as they searched for a suitable replacement for the legendary goalkeeper.
Eric Cantona ("Leeds United," £1.2 million)
Visit Old Trafford stadium and Stretford Edge stand, and you'll hear the Frenchman's name chanted, even though he ended his professional career around 17 years ago. Known as the "King," E. Cantona spent five seasons in Manchester, where he was famous not only for his excellent playing but also for scandals. For example, he was given an 8-month ban for a kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan. He is considered the first famous foreign player to help popularize the Premier League, and some even attribute to him the title of the best league player of all time.
