During his iconic reign at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson amassed an extraordinary 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League crowns, solidifying his status as one of football’s all-time great managers. Over 26 remarkable seasons, the Scottish tactician brought some of the sport’s most exceptional talents to Old Trafford, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and Peter Schmeichel.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Ferguson was not without his share of transfer mistakes and once candidly revealed the signing he regretted the most. At a League Managers Association dinner in 2009, he identified Ralph Milne as his worst acquisition. Milne joined United from Third Division Bristol City in November 1988 for £170,000 but struggled to make an impact. He managed just three goals in 22 appearances during his debut season and left the club in June 1991, retiring from professional football soon after. Reflecting on this decision, Ferguson admitted, “My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000, but I still get condemned for it.”
Ferguson also mentioned Cameroonian midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba, signed in 2003 for £3.5 million, as another disappointment. Initially expected to shine, Djemba-Djemba made just 39 appearances and scored two goals before being sold to Aston Villa in January 2005. Recalling the signing, Ferguson humorously remarked, “So good they named him twice.”
However, Ferguson’s transfer legacy is far more defined by his successes. Cristiano Ronaldo’s £12.25 million move from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 is often celebrated as one of the Premier League’s greatest bargains. Under Ferguson’s guidance, Ronaldo played 196 matches, scoring 84 goals and registering 38 assists, becoming one of the world’s most iconic players. Eric Cantona, another masterstroke, joined from Leeds United in 1992 for £1.2 million and went on to score 82 goals over five seasons, becoming a club legend. Meanwhile, Peter Schmeichel, signed from Brøndby for £750,000, was later described by Ferguson as “the bargain of the century” and is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in English football.
Although not every transfer was successful, Ferguson’s unmatched ability to rebuild and sustain dominant teams firmly established his legacy as a footballing mastermind, leaving an enduring impact on the sport.
