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Sir Alex Ferguson didn't hesitate when asked to name his worst-ever Man Utd signing

Home> Football> Football News> Man Utd

Published 17:33 10 Jan 2025 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson didn't hesitate when asked to name his worst-ever Man Utd signing

The Manchester United legend didn't hold back.

Ben McCrum

Ben McCrum

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Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the worst player he ever signed as manager of the club.

While at United, Ferguson won a total of 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League titles, making him undoubtedly one of the greatest managers of all time.

During the 26 seasons at the club, the Scottish manager brought some of the very best players in United's history to Old Trafford, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel.

However, there are some players that even Ferguson himself missed the mark, and he has revealed who he thinks was the worst signing during his time at United.

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While speaking at a League Managers Association dinner in 2009, Ferguson admitted that midfielder Frank Milne, was the player he regretted signing the most while managing United.

He admitted as per the Guardian: "My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it."

Milne moved to Old Trafford in November 1988 from Third Division Bristol City and went on to score three goals in 22 games during his first season before losing his place in the first team.

Three years later, the Scot was released in June 1991 and never played football again.

Ferguson also took time to gave an honourable mention to Cameroonian midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba, who United paid £3.5million United for in 2003.

"So good they named him twice," Ferguson cheekily said.

Djemba-Djemba made just 39 appearances for United, scoring two goals before leaving in January 2005 to join Aston Villa.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Frank Milne was his worst ever signing at Manchester United. (Image: Getty)
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Frank Milne was his worst ever signing at Manchester United. (Image: Getty)

Of course, not all of Ferguson's transfers are viewed as failures, with many claiming Ronaldo’s £12.25million transfer from Sporting Lisbon is one of the best in Premier League history.

The Portuguese striker made a total of 196 appearances under Ferguson, scoring an incredible 84 goals while assisting another 38.

Elsewhere, Cantona, who Ferguson signed from Leeds United in 1992 for just £1.2m, scored 82 two goals in his five seasons at United.

And Schmeichel, who was later dubbed by the manager as “the bargain of the century” having signing from Brondby for £750,000, cemented himself as the one of the best goalkeepers in English football while playing for United.

Featured Image Credit: Getty/Sky Sports

Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Football, Peter Schmeichel

Ben McCrum
Ben McCrum

Ben is a sports journalist who specialises in football, Formula One and MMA. He has written for publications such as Manchester Evening News, WiganToday, Manchester World and beIN Sports. Throughout his career, he has interviewed top athletes including Gareth Southgate, Luke Littler, Tom Aspinall and Jenson Button.

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@benmcc14

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