The Sun: Top 10 Fergie super signings

032Devil · 26th August 2008, 07:20

By MIKE ANSTEAD

There have been plenty during his 22 years with the Red Devils — so many, in fact, that there was no room on this list for stars such as Mark Hughes, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic.

No10: Wayne Rooney (£27m, 2004)
Time will tell how brightly Rooney’s star burns at United but he has been superb in his first four years. The striker needs to increase his goal ratio but there can be no complaints about his overall contribution. His fearlessness is his prize asset, underpinned by his fantastic workrate.

No9: Steve Bruce (£800,000, 1987)
Both Bruce and his partner-in-crime Gary Pallister were brilliant acquisitions. But the rugged defender gets the nod on this list because of his added value as a regular scorer, including 19 in one special season. At the back, Bruce was a lionheart — but was amazingly never capped by England.

No8: Rio Ferdinand (£30m, 2002)
The England centre-back took time to settle in at United but he is now one of their finest performers. Ferdinand has blossomed into a rock-solid defender, as well as becoming a leader in Gary Neville’s absence. Fergie’s best defender since Jaap Stam.

No7: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5m, 1996)
United’s baby-faced assassin may not have been a regular in the starting XI but that takes nothing away from his contribution. His thrilling winner in the 1999 Champions League final was incredible but there was so much more to remember from this ultimate super-sub.

No6: Denis Irwin (£625,000, 1990)
The Irish full-back proved to be an absolute snip in his dozen seasons at Old Trafford. Irwin was a dependable, no-nonsense defender, who rarely slipped up. And with his superb free-kicks — in the era before David Beckham’s emergence — he was pretty handy at the other end of the pitch, too.

No5: Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19m, 2001)
The Dutch ace ultimately fell out with Fergie but not before becoming one of the club’s legendary hitmen. Van Nistelrooy fired over 150 goals wearing the famous red shirt after recovering from a serious knee injury. Fergie is desperate for a free-scoring striker and may now regret letting this man go.

No4: Cristiano Ronaldo (£12m, 2003)
The wing wizard could surge up this list with a repeat of his sensational form last season. The Portugal ace was unstoppable as United stormed to the Champions League and Premier League crowns — and Fergie has so far resisted his pleas to join Real Madrid.

No3: Eric Cantona (£1.2m, 1992)
This enigmatic Frenchman produced five unforgettable years at Old Trafford. Cantona was one of the most gifted forwards this country has ever seen. His kung-fu attack on a Crystal Palace fan may have damaged his reputation but United supporters were happy to forgive him.

No2: Peter Schmeichel (£550,000, 1991)
United's best ever keeper — and arguably the greatest the game has ever seen. The giant Dane arrived as a relative unknown but became a legend during his eight-year stint. Schmeichel’s huge frame filled the goal as strikers homed in and very few got the better of him.

No1: Roy Keane (£3.75m, 1993)
Keane’s eventual exit was angry and abrupt but fans will never forget his spell at Old Trafford. The Irish midfielder was not the most technically gifted player but there was no questioning his incredible influence during his dozen years at the club. Brave, intimidating and unrelenting — a phenomenal leader.

The Law of Denis · 26th August 2008, 07:28

I would probably drop Rio and Rooney for Evra and Vidic - they were bigger bargains IMO..

Dippersripper · 26th August 2008, 07:31

Rio and Rooney shouldn't be there IMO.

dmode · 26th August 2008, 07:34

Cooool I've seen all of them played...

December_16 · 26th August 2008, 07:35

Eric Cantona is undoubtedly No.1 on this list. Roy Keane is a legend, but he was still the most expensive signing at that time. Pulling Cantona from Leeds is probably the most genius stroke from Fergie of all time.

Suresh · 26th August 2008, 07:36

Steve Bruce (£800,000, 1987)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5m, 1996)

Denis Irwin (£625,000, 1990)

Eric Cantona (£1.2m, 1992)

Peter Schmeichel (£550,000, 1991)

Quite amazing to reflect on those figures now, isn't it. Just how much has the transfer market ballooned since then. Especially if you consider that "then" is merely over a decade ago.

Sivahari · 26th August 2008, 07:38

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

Tribec · 26th August 2008, 08:03

Obviously this is my subjective opinion, but Rio and Bruce whilst being excellent purchases for the club could be replaced by Vidic and Pallister respectively.

Vidic has been a catalyst to our recent success, his arrival saw the back four become solid again for the first time since Stam left really. Plus at around £7m was it, he's a snip compared to the near enough £30 we paid for Rio.

Pallister, was bought for a record price at the time and developed a great partnership with Bruce. I suppose an argument for them both to be included would be easier, but for me the defining point which perhaps sells me more on Pally than Bruce was that 9 years after he arrived, and at a point where at 33 he was becoming increasingly susceptible to injuries we sold him back to Boro for more than we bought him for, which makes his signing more of a bargain.

Rooney's inclusion can be debated, but the potential he has is scary and in the current market, £27m is a good deal for a player of that potential. If Rooney isn't to be included, then the re-signing of Sparky should be for what £2m proved time and time again that he was worth a lot more than we paid for him.

vijay · 26th August 2008, 08:11

1) Schmeichel/Ole tough one here
3) Keane
4) Cantona
and
5) Ronaldo

wouldn't be arsed to rate the remaining five. It should easily go up to to 8 or 9.

Ruben · 26th August 2008, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by vijay

1) Schmeichel/Ole tough one here
3) Keane
4) Cantona
and
5) Ronaldo

wouldn't be arsed to rate the remaining five. It should easily go up to to 8 or 9.

No Irwin amongst your top five?

1) Schmikes
2) Irwin
3) Ole
4) Keane
5) Cantona

That`s how I`d have them, but it the list would make sense if you read it from bottom to top as well, that`s how close they are.

gaffs · 26th August 2008, 08:21

Number 1 has to be Cantona.

Danish Voice · 26th August 2008, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

So because you say so it's the truth or? To be brutally honest your list is a joke.

Ronaldo, Rooney Tevez over Cantona?

Anderson, Vidic and Evra better signings than Keane

No Bruce, no Pallister and no Irwin, Schmeichel or Solskjær?

Escobar · 26th August 2008, 08:36

Good list, cant really complain. Rio was well worth the money, as was Rooney and Keane at that time. I dont care about fees anyway, as long as the players perform

tyrone red · 26th August 2008, 08:51

I thought that Kanchelskis was a steal at £650,000 from Shaktar

^Red Devil^ · 26th August 2008, 09:00

The da Silvas must be rushing up that list

Ramshock · 26th August 2008, 09:08

McClair and Hughes should be near that list!

Forever Red · 26th August 2008, 10:07

Eric for £1.2 million was the bargain of the centuary and the signing that sparked Premier League domination

Nearco · 26th August 2008, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 032Devil

No5: Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19m, 2001)
The Dutch ace ultimately fell out with Fergie but not before becoming one of the club’s legendary hitmen. Van Nistelrooy fired over 150 goals wearing the famous red shirt after recovering from a serious knee injury. Fergie is desperate for a free-scoring striker and may now regret letting this man go.

I wouldn`t have had this cunt in my top twenty. If he`d stayed we`d never have won a Champions League.

air_mood · 26th August 2008, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

If anything, that list will show that you're young or a relatively new fan. Which would explain why you previously did not know that we have won 3 PL titles in a row before.

St Red · 26th August 2008, 11:55

I assume you are not regarding Scholes and Giggs as signings, even though both joined the club and were given their first team debuts by Ferguson.

On the value for money note, Sheringham was surely good value.

KingEric7 · 26th August 2008, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

Pat_Mustard · 26th August 2008, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrone red

I thought that Kanchelskis was a steal at £650,000 from Shaktar

Good shout that.

Pat_Mustard · 26th August 2008, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

When did you start supporting Utd and what age are you? That's an appalling list. How you can include Anderson ahead of Keane at this stage of his career is beyond me.

slayer · 26th August 2008, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

WTF??

How can Tevez be so high up after just one season. Also Rooney has arguably not really fulfilled his potential ... yet. Also Anderson whos not exactly been at United for long!! Great potential but needs to prove himself for a few years. (Also you spelt Yorke wrong).

My list would be something like:

1 Cantona
2 Schmeichel
3 Ole
4 Keane
5 Ronaldo
6 Ruud
7 Kancheskis
8 Bruce
9 Irwin
10 Pally

I am sure I have forgot some ppl

Dreaded · 26th August 2008, 12:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Law of Denis

I would probably drop Rio and Rooney for Evra and Vidic - they were bigger bargains IMO..

It isn't a list of his best bargain buys just his best buys and Rio and Rooney and definitely 2 of the best players SAF has ever bought.

kps88 · 26th August 2008, 12:49

That original list is pretty good.

Kanchelskis, Evra, Hughes and Vidic are the only others I can really think of who might deserve a place.

It just depends on what your criteria is. Is it the best bargain or the best signing? Some would argue signing Rio for 30m isnt the best piece of business, but from a football perspective we signed the best defender in the world right now.

Plus no matter how high the fee your still taking a risk like Veron has showed us.

SharkyMcShark · 26th August 2008, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

Should not be on this list. When you sign someone for 30 million, and they go on to be the best defender in the league, that is called living up to your value. It is not a bargain.

What did Anderson do to merit being on that list? We haven't actually signed Tevez yet either...

In terms of value for the outlay we paid, my list is

1. Cantona
2. Schmeichel
3. Irwin
4. Bruce
5. Solskjaer
6. Ronaldo
7. Evra
8. Vidic
9. Pallister
10. Kanchelskis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nearco

I wouldn`t have had this cunt in my top twenty. If he`d stayed we`d never have won a Champions League.

Addict · 26th August 2008, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sivahari

My picks are (don't be surprised);

1) Ronaldo
2) Rooney
3) Tevez
4) Cantona
5) Ferdinand
6) Vidic
7) Evra
8) Anderson
9) Keane
10) York

Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

Add Berbatov as well?

crappycraperson · 26th August 2008, 13:09

Rooney was a bargain.

I agree with the list except I would swap Schmeichel with Keane and Rooney with Ruud.

ecantona7 · 26th August 2008, 14:15

I agree with the list except I would have the king as number one with the dane at second and keano at third. 4th would be irwin and 5th ronaldo and 6th brucey.

26th August 2008, 07:20	#1 (permalink)
032Devil First Team Regular Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 13,622	The Sun: Top 10 Fergie super signings By MIKE ANSTEAD There have been plenty during his 22 years with the Red Devils — so many, in fact, that there was no room on this list for stars such as Mark Hughes, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic. No10: Wayne Rooney (£27m, 2004) Time will tell how brightly Rooney’s star burns at United but he has been superb in his first four years. The striker needs to increase his goal ratio but there can be no complaints about his overall contribution. His fearlessness is his prize asset, underpinned by his fantastic workrate. No9: Steve Bruce (£800,000, 1987) Both Bruce and his partner-in-crime Gary Pallister were brilliant acquisitions. But the rugged defender gets the nod on this list because of his added value as a regular scorer, including 19 in one special season. At the back, Bruce was a lionheart — but was amazingly never capped by England. No8: Rio Ferdinand (£30m, 2002) The England centre-back took time to settle in at United but he is now one of their finest performers. Ferdinand has blossomed into a rock-solid defender, as well as becoming a leader in Gary Neville’s absence. Fergie’s best defender since Jaap Stam. No7: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5m, 1996) United’s baby-faced assassin may not have been a regular in the starting XI but that takes nothing away from his contribution. His thrilling winner in the 1999 Champions League final was incredible but there was so much more to remember from this ultimate super-sub. No6: Denis Irwin (£625,000, 1990) The Irish full-back proved to be an absolute snip in his dozen seasons at Old Trafford. Irwin was a dependable, no-nonsense defender, who rarely slipped up. And with his superb free-kicks — in the era before David Beckham’s emergence — he was pretty handy at the other end of the pitch, too. No5: Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19m, 2001) The Dutch ace ultimately fell out with Fergie but not before becoming one of the club’s legendary hitmen. Van Nistelrooy fired over 150 goals wearing the famous red shirt after recovering from a serious knee injury. Fergie is desperate for a free-scoring striker and may now regret letting this man go. No4: Cristiano Ronaldo (£12m, 2003) The wing wizard could surge up this list with a repeat of his sensational form last season. The Portugal ace was unstoppable as United stormed to the Champions League and Premier League crowns — and Fergie has so far resisted his pleas to join Real Madrid. No3: Eric Cantona (£1.2m, 1992) This enigmatic Frenchman produced five unforgettable years at Old Trafford. Cantona was one of the most gifted forwards this country has ever seen. His kung-fu attack on a Crystal Palace fan may have damaged his reputation but United supporters were happy to forgive him. No2: Peter Schmeichel (£550,000, 1991) United's best ever keeper — and arguably the greatest the game has ever seen. The giant Dane arrived as a relative unknown but became a legend during his eight-year stint. Schmeichel’s huge frame filled the goal as strikers homed in and very few got the better of him. No1: Roy Keane (£3.75m, 1993) Keane’s eventual exit was angry and abrupt but fans will never forget his spell at Old Trafford. The Irish midfielder was not the most technically gifted player but there was no questioning his incredible influence during his dozen years at the club. Brave, intimidating and unrelenting — a phenomenal leader.

26th August 2008, 07:28	#2 (permalink)
The Law of Denis Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,507	I would probably drop Rio and Rooney for Evra and Vidic - they were bigger bargains IMO..

26th August 2008, 07:31	#3 (permalink)
Dippersripper Educating ignorant bastards about God to achieve a near-perfect world Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reason is an excuse for faith. Faith is everything. Please don't take, My Fletcher, Away..... Posts: 10,262	Rio and Rooney shouldn't be there IMO.

26th August 2008, 07:34	#4 (permalink)
dmode Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: vega Posts: 2,511	Cooool I've seen all of them played...

26th August 2008, 07:35	#5 (permalink)
December_16 Arse wiper and cock washer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Football that just makes you purrrrrr Posts: 3,370	Eric Cantona is undoubtedly No.1 on this list. Roy Keane is a legend, but he was still the most expensive signing at that time. Pulling Cantona from Leeds is probably the most genius stroke from Fergie of all time.

26th August 2008, 07:36	#6 (permalink)
Suresh Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Successfully neg-repped Bury Red and all I got was this lousy tagline! Posts: 19,597	Steve Bruce (£800,000, 1987) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5m, 1996) Denis Irwin (£625,000, 1990) Eric Cantona (£1.2m, 1992) Peter Schmeichel (£550,000, 1991) Quite amazing to reflect on those figures now, isn't it. Just how much has the transfer market ballooned since then. Especially if you consider that "then" is merely over a decade ago.

26th August 2008, 07:38	#7 (permalink)
Sivahari Youth Team Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Malaysia Posts: 392	My picks are (don't be surprised); 1) Ronaldo 2) Rooney 3) Tevez 4) Cantona 5) Ferdinand 6) Vidic 7) Evra 8) Anderson 9) Keane 10) York Only 3 are not from the current squad. That goes to show that the current squad is United's best ever and that the older SAF gets, the better he has got an eye for spotting talent. And add Berbatov to the list for good measure.

26th August 2008, 08:03	#8 (permalink)
Tribec Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Out and Proud of it.... I'm a Red and I'm from Salford. Posts: 2,072	Obviously this is my subjective opinion, but Rio and Bruce whilst being excellent purchases for the club could be replaced by Vidic and Pallister respectively. Vidic has been a catalyst to our recent success, his arrival saw the back four become solid again for the first time since Stam left really. Plus at around £7m was it, he's a snip compared to the near enough £30 we paid for Rio. Pallister, was bought for a record price at the time and developed a great partnership with Bruce. I suppose an argument for them both to be included would be easier, but for me the defining point which perhaps sells me more on Pally than Bruce was that 9 years after he arrived, and at a point where at 33 he was becoming increasingly susceptible to injuries we sold him back to Boro for more than we bought him for, which makes his signing more of a bargain. Rooney's inclusion can be debated, but the potential he has is scary and in the current market, £27m is a good deal for a player of that potential. If Rooney isn't to be included, then the re-signing of Sparky should be for what £2m proved time and time again that he was worth a lot more than we paid for him.

26th August 2008, 08:11	#9 (permalink)
vijay Im rude and disprespectful to the ladies of the forum,though Im happy to cruise Jason and Suresh Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Entertainment Fourm: Winding up the Gaming Gimps Posts: 13,512	1) Schmeichel/Ole tough one here 3) Keane 4) Cantona and 5) Ronaldo wouldn't be arsed to rate the remaining five. It should easily go up to to 8 or 9.

26th August 2008, 08:21	#11 (permalink)
gaffs Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: E236 - New Member of the K Stand Barmy Army Posts: 3,687	Number 1 has to be Cantona.

26th August 2008, 08:36	#13 (permalink)
Escobar Poster originally known as Michel04 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Federer-Land Posts: 12,102	Good list, cant really complain. Rio was well worth the money, as was Rooney and Keane at that time. I dont care about fees anyway, as long as the players perform

26th August 2008, 08:51	#14 (permalink)
tyrone red Youth Team Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Currently at home drilling holes in the Sam Maguire Cup Posts: 467	I thought that Kanchelskis was a steal at £650,000 from Shaktar

26th August 2008, 09:00	#15 (permalink)
^Red Devil^ Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,275	The da Silvas must be rushing up that list

26th August 2008, 09:08	#16 (permalink)
Ramshock poster of nonsense Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Stretford End for the Irish!! Posts: 3,031	McClair and Hughes should be near that list!

26th August 2008, 10:07	#17 (permalink)
Forever Red Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,248	Eric for £1.2 million was the bargain of the centuary and the signing that sparked Premier League domination

26th August 2008, 11:55	#20 (permalink)
St Red Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 764	I assume you are not regarding Scholes and Giggs as signings, even though both joined the club and were given their first team debuts by Ferguson. On the value for money note, Sheringham was surely good value.

26th August 2008, 12:49	#26 (permalink)
kps88 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,606	That original list is pretty good. Kanchelskis, Evra, Hughes and Vidic are the only others I can really think of who might deserve a place. It just depends on what your criteria is. Is it the best bargain or the best signing? Some would argue signing Rio for 30m isnt the best piece of business, but from a football perspective we signed the best defender in the world right now. Plus no matter how high the fee your still taking a risk like Veron has showed us.

26th August 2008, 13:09	#29 (permalink)
crappycraperson "Resident cricket authority" Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: <Insert something funny here> Posts: 11,490	Rooney was a bargain. I agree with the list except I would swap Schmeichel with Keane and Rooney with Ruud.

26th August 2008, 14:15	#30 (permalink)
ecantona7 unlucky bet winner Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Whatever happens, there are always things you could have done better. You score two goals and you usually feel you could have done better.You score two goals and you usually feel you could have scored a third. That's what makes you progress in life. Posts: 7,726	I agree with the list except I would have the king as number one with the dane at second and keano at third. 4th would be irwin and 5th ronaldo and 6th brucey.