During his legendary tenure at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson secured an astonishing 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League victories.
These remarkable accomplishments cemented his legacy as one of football’s greatest managers. Over 26 seasons, the Scottish tactician transformed Manchester United into a dominant force, signing some of the most extraordinary players in the game’s history, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and Peter Schmeichel.
However, even a manager as accomplished as Ferguson wasn’t immune to transfer missteps. Among his many acquisitions, he candidly admitted that Ralph Milne was the player he most regretted signing. Speaking at a League Managers Association dinner in 2009, Ferguson described Milne, who joined United from Third Division side Bristol City in November 1988 for £170,000, as his worst signing.
Milne struggled to make an impression at Old Trafford, scoring just three goals in 22 appearances during his debut season. He left the club in 1991 and retired from professional football shortly after.
Reflecting on this transfer, Ferguson said, “My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000, but I still get condemned for it.”
Another transfer disappointment was Eric Djemba-Djemba, a Cameroonian midfielder signed in 2003 for £3.5 million. Initially expected to make a significant impact, Djemba-Djemba played only 39 matches and scored two goals before being sold to Aston Villa in January 2005. Recalling the transfer, Ferguson humorously remarked, “So good they named him twice.”
Despite these setbacks, Ferguson’s transfer successes far outweigh his mistakes. Cristiano Ronaldo’s £12.25 million move from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest bargains. Under Ferguson’s management, Ronaldo became one of the world’s most iconic players, scoring 84 goals and providing 38 assists in 196 appearances. Similarly,
Eric Cantona’s arrival from Leeds United in 1992 for £1.2 million proved transformative. Cantona scored 82 goals over five seasons and became a symbol of United’s dominance.
Peter Schmeichel, signed from Brøndby for just £750,000, was described by Ferguson as “the bargain of the century” and is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
While not every transfer was a success, Ferguson’s ability to consistently rebuild and strengthen his teams was unparalleled. His strategic vision and adaptability left an indelible mark on football, ensuring his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
