Sir Alex's Manchester United Glory: His Most Important Players

This could be the end of my fledgling B/R career. Never one to go looking for trouble, I am about to do so now.

Sometimes such a gross injustice is done that it must be addressed and corrected.

What I refer to is this article: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/154994-10-greatest-footballers-who-played-under-sir-alex-ferguson.

I was about to tear my hair out as I read the article and the comments, everybody playing all nice and such, and usually I do too, but this was just too much for me to bear.

I have no reservations about my choices and I will be scorned and/or feel the wrath of those who disagree with my motivation and/or content.

But, in my opinion, these are the 10 best players (to play at least a season) ever to call Sir Alex “gaffer” in the red of Manchester United.

Honorable Mention: Paul McGrath

Honorable Mention (No. 11): Paul McGrath

The heart of United’s defense in the 1980s, Sir Alex inherited Paul McGrath from the previous regime of Ron Atkinson and was to utilize him in the back and midfield.

The Irish international had a rocky relationship with his new boss. Although injury-plagued and suffering from excessive drinking during his time in Manchester, he is still regarded as one of the finest defenders ever to represent the Red Devils.

When offered a testimonial and a severance package by Sir Alex, McGrath refused and went on to garner the PFA Player of the Year award with his next club, Aston Villa.

10. Gary Pallister

A mainstay in the heart of the United defense during most of the 1990s, Pallister was a key component of four premiership championship sides.

From 1989 to 1998 he appeared for Sir Alex on 317 occasions. Partnering another United legend, Steve Bruce, they formed a tandem as good as any to patrol the backline at Old Trafford.

A towering centre-back who was an aerial force, Pallister was selected as the PFA Player of the Year in 1992, the only defensive player to receive the honor while playing for Ferguson.

9. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Arguably the best pure finisher ever to play for Sir Alex, scoring 95 goals in 150 appearances for United, his five years were very productive.

Besides an injury ridden 2004-05 season, he was a regular fixture in United’s XI.

Van Nistlerooy was chosen as the PFA Player of the year in 2002.

He left for Real Madrid in 2006 amid rumors of strife with the manager, though these were never sustained. No doubt the relationship was on again, off again, but Van Nistlerooy later admitted his biggest beef was with emerging superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for having a tendency to “not share the ball”.

So legendary was his finishing capability that it was rumored he could even score in a convent while dressed as the club mascot (a red devil).

8. Roy Keane

The fiery Irishman was a crowd favorite during his 13 seasons at Old Trafford. His no nonsense approach in the center of the park and in the locker room will always be the legacy he leaves behind.

He appeared for United 323 times and was the captain from 1997 until his departure in 2005.

While missing out on the Champions League Final in the Treble season of 1998-99, Keane’s European performances were to attain him legendary status in the lore of Man United history.

Always quick to speak his mind, he has had run-ins with the United fans, Irish Manager Mick McCarthy (Japan 2002), and even Ferguson.

Early in his United career he almost succumbed to injuries and an early retirement. He was to recover and be a lightning rod for controversy throughout his career.

To this day the fans still sing “there is only one Keano” in his honor.

7. Mark Hughes

One of the few players to leave Old Trafford only to return, “Sparky” came to Sir Alex in 1988 after spending some time on the continent with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

He had gone to the continent as a result of the ban of English teams in European competitions due to the Heysel disaster.

A relentless forward with an insatiable hunger to compete, Hughes was to stay with United until 1995.

During the seven seasons he spent at Old Trafford in his second run, Hughes was to be named the PFA Player of the year twice, 1989 and 1991. Only one other player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has achieved this milestone.

6. Ryan Giggs

Still terrorizing defenses in The Premiership, Giggs has the distinguished honor of playing more matches for Manchester United than any other player in club history. He is also the most decorated player to ever represent the club.

Having been with Man United throughout his entire career, he will surely be a permanent fixture in the United all-time XI.

Signing for the club at the age of 14, he was immediately recognized by club icon Sir Bobby Charlton who wanted to know the name of the “skinny lad who could run like the wind?”

At 35 years of age and in his 19th season, Giggs is a serious candidate for Player of the Year honors.

5. Paul Scholes

A personal favorite, Scholes has played up front, but mostly in the heart of the United midfield, for 15 years.

Born and bred in Manchester, he is one of the most decorated players to wear Manchester red.

A tireless worker in his prime, Scholes covered more field than any player I have seen. Uncompromising in his tackles and capable of banging in goals from anywhere, he was to represent his country 66 times.

Throughout his career he has flirted with injuries, with the most severe being problems with his vision in the 2004-05 season. While still not fully over it, Sir Alex still calls on his maestro for the big matches.

Unlike his midfield companion Roy Keane, Scholes has been a quiet and faithful servant with very little controversy. Ferguson has always mentioned Scholes and Giggs as the “most exemplary professionals I have been fortunate to manage.”

4. Bryan Robson

Another player inherited from Atkinson, Robson is still on record as the longest serving captain in United history.

Known as "Captain Marvel," this midfield engine was the heart and soul of the side in Sir Alex’s early years.

Also the Captain of England (65 times), Robson’s reckless style led to numerous injuries, yet he was still able to make a significant impact to create a lasting legacy at Old Trafford.

He was to remain with the club in the early years of The Premiership, and although his role was diminished, there is no disputing the impact he had on making United the greatest side in England for the past two decades.

3. Peter Schmeichel

The rock upon which Sir Alex built his church. Aptly named Peter for the benefit of the Red Devil faithful, he is arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time.

United’s most decorated keeper, Sir Alex was to say that “with the departure of Peter, I was left with the largest hole that I ever had to fill.”

Having come to Old Trafford in 1991, Schmeichel proceeded to keep net for four Premiership champions, most notably the 1998/99 Treble winners.

His massive stature and reputation are only exceeded by his legacy.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Love him or hate him, there is magic in this player.

Winner of the last two PFA Player of the Year awards, Ronaldo reached the pinnacle of the football world when he was named the World Player of the Year for 2008.

His ability to score and set up goals is rivaled by very few and regardless of his rumored departure to the Bernabau, Ronaldo will always be worthy of standing on the Trinity. Some may say this is blasphemous, but who has dazzled the crowds like Ronny besides George Best and our No. 1?

1. Eric Cantona

Enigmatic, undisciplined, and pure magic, King Cantona is without a doubt the most electrifying player that Sir Alex has ever had the honor of managing.

Known as much for his off the field antics as for his brilliance on the pitch, Cantona came to United in 1992 and stayed until his abrupt retirement in 1997.

The PFA Player of the year in 1994, Cantona achieved infamy for attacking a fan at Selhurst Park in 1995. He was suspended for the rest of the season and yet, even in disgrace, magic was oozing.

The infamous photo of his attack was used on the cover of a single record titled “Kung Fu.” The record was to become the group’s only song ever to appear in the top 100 of the British Pop Charts.

Never shy about speaking his mind, Cantona has many quotes by which he will be remembered, but two that I would like to point out:

1. “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea.” Cantona was referring to journalists (seagulls) hovering around him (the trawler) for newsworthy items (sardines).

2. “He is a water carrier.” Cantona was referring to Didier Deschamps, the man who assumed the captaincy of France when Cantona was banned from the game for the incident at Selhurst Park. Cantona was bitter and always felt Deschamps was overrated. While Deschamps was captain, France won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Euros.

The next edifice to decorate Sir Matt Busby Way will include “Eric the King”, of this I have no doubt.

Ooo-Ah, Can-to-na, say Ooo-Ah, CANTONA!

Epilogue

A tough list, very tough: Some greats are left out.

Names like Paul Ince, Teddy Sheringham, Steve Bruce, Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Dennis Irwin, David Beckham and so on.

But now I can rest easy knowing that some of the game's all time greats, not just Man United greats, are recognized for their wonderful contribution to the legacy of Sir Alex and the Manchester United faithful.