The reign of Sir Alex Ferguson is considered the most glorious years of Manchester United, both in the Premier League and Europe. The Scottish manager took charge at Old Trafford in November 1986, and he withdrew from his post in 2013 after becoming the club's longest-serving manager with 26 years of tenure.
During Ferguson's era, Ferguson helped United win 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. During his tenure, the English club saw the rise of many outstanding players who went on to be considered world elites and contributed to United's most successful era, and sites not on GamStop were yet to appear on the internet. In this article, we'll be looking at some of the best players who have thrived under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson. So, stay tuned.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs was one of the most prolific midfielders during his time, and his glorious football career happened during the long reign of Sir Alex Ferguson. Throughout his career, Ryan Giggs was always included in the discussions about the best midfielders in the Premier League.
He is mainly known for his style of play, which is playing as a dynamic left-footed midfielder. He is also known for his versatility, as he could be deployed on either midfield flank, as a central midfielder, or as a deep-lying playmaker.
Giggs got his first professional contract from Manchester United on his birthday, 29 November 1990, and the rest became history. He won 35 trophies throughout his career as a United player, including 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, four Football League Cups, nine FA Community Shields, two UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup. Giggs is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, coming from Manchester United.
David Beckham
David Beckham is one of the most iconic football players gracing the pitch. During his career, Beckham was recognized as one of the best free-kick takers of all time and one of his generation's greatest midfielders.
Beckham was part of the "Fergie's Fledglings" group, as Sir Alex Ferguson had so much confidence in the club's young players that he gave them consistent game time. The English midfielder thrived under Sir Alex as he played a massive role in helping the Scottish manager dominate the Premier League for a long while.
Beckham played for the club for ten seasons and lifted six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two FA Charity Shields, one UEFA Champions League, and one Intercontinental Cup. He went on to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
Wayne Rooney
It is no doubt that Wayne Rooney, who is famously known to be a Manchester United legend, will appear on this list. He is widely recognized as one of the most decorated players at Manchester United. He is also the club's record goalscorer.
Unlike the aforementioned players, Rooney was signed by Ferguson from Everton in 2004 for £25.6 million. He was one of the prolific players who thrived under the reign of the Scottish manager as he became the club's highest goalscorer with 253 goals in all competitions.
Rooney was part of the team that extended Ferguson's dominance in the English top flight as he lifted 16 trophies during his time with the Red Devils. He won five Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, four FA Community Shields, one FA Cup, one UEFA Champions League, one Europa League and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Rio Ferdinand
Next on the list is Rio Ferdinand. Just like Giggs and Rooney, Ferdinand is one of the most decorated English players of all time, and some even consider him one of the greatest ever players in England.
Ferdinand played his part in the Ferguson team that dominated England and Europe. He started his football career at West Ham United before he was signed by Manchester United in 2001 for £18 million, and the rest became history. He won 20 trophies with United, including six Premier League titles, two Football League Cups, four FA Community Shields, one Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Peter Schmeichel
It's only suitable if we add a goalkeeper to this list. He is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time and even voted as the best goalkeeper ever in 2001.
He was signed by Manchester United in 1991 for £505,000, which was described as the bargain of the century. In the 1992/93 campaign, Schmeichel kept 22 clean sheets to help United win the Premier League title, which was the club's first win in 26 years.
Schmeichel represented the club for eight seasons before he parted ways with them. He won five Premier League titles with the club, three FA Cups, one Football League Cup, four FA Charity Shields, one UEFA Champions League, and one European Super Cup.
Wrap Up
Sir Alex Ferguson's era was one of the most glorious years of Premier League football. His reign saw the rise of many English football players who became world greats, from Ferdinand to Beckham and Rooney. While there are many more, they are the few we'll cover in this article.
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