Fergie’s Perfect 10
Redville
Fergie, like all top managers, has bought his fair share of flops over the years. But after seeing Chelsea and Arsenal begin to dominate the league 4 years ago, the United manager realised that there would be little room for error in his future transfer dealings if he was to reach the pinnacle of the game one last time. The media and many United fans felt that the writing was already on the wall and that the team needed a new manager to challenge for top honours once again. How wrong they were.
Incredibly, in rebuilding the side to its current state, Sir Alex has achieved an almost perfect record with recent acquisitions, with each of the last 10 purchases having a substantial role to play in the current squad that Sir Alex himself has deemed his strongest yet. If even a couple of the early signings had not worked out, United could have been pipped at the post for the title last season - and surely without the latest recruits, the team would not have come through their early season trials and ongoing injury problems so resoundingly. There hasn’t been a howler of a signing at Old Trafford for a long time.
The 10 major deals for outfield players since August 2003
Cristiano Ronaldo 9.5
What a vital investment this man turned out to be. Surely worth £50m on the transfer market. Not only has he had a massive effect on the team, but has also played an integral role in bringing other Portuguese speaking superstars-to-be to the club. Ronaldo could yet become the finest player ever to have worn the shirt. As Sir Alex says, all he needs to do now is win stuff, hence the less than perfect rating. Scored both goals at the weekend in what many called ‘one of his quieter games.’
Wayne Rooney 9.5
Many will argue that he is not quite as gifted as Ronaldo, but you realise only too quickly how good he is, when he’s absent from the team. At his best, or even his second best, everything good about United starts and ends with Rooney. With inordinate amounts of skill, strength and will to win, he embodies Manchester United. If Fergie leaves him up front as the main striker, he will develop into a prolific goalscorer. But this guy is so good that he would be one of the best in the world in any position. I’m serious.
Ji-Sung Park 8
So everyone wondered when we bought this guy, if he was just a trophy-signing to make United even more famous in Asia. But something told you that Fergie would never knowingly allow a player to join his academy for these reasons alone. Park soon developed into a talented, hard working and selfless player who began to dominate games before his serious knee injury. I’m certain that he will play lots of games on his return, as an able replacement when Ronny needs a rest.
Patrice Evra 9.5
Yes it is a heady score but we are talking about the best United left back since Denis Irwin. Personally, I’d take Evra over Cole, Clichy or Lahm in a flash. Evra makes football exciting.
Nemanja Vidic 9
Makes Rio tick. Scores Goals. Bleeds for the shirt.
Micheal Carrick 8.5
Hugely underrated. United would not have won the league without him. They say he never plays well for England. But neither does Lampard. Because England are rubbish.
Nani 8
His decision-making still frustrates at times but his natural ability is unquestionable. Got United 3 points against Tottenham with a screamer. Then scored an even better one against Boro. What next? A headed goal from the half way line?
Anderson 9
An outstanding footballer, even at 19. Lots of his work goes unnoticed but his killer passes certainly don’t. On Saturday, he began to show some supreme footwork and when he adds goals to his repertoire, he’s going to be big. In fact he’s going to be the biggest.
Owen Hargreaves 8
He’s had rave reviews in the few games that he has played in United colours and his speed and strength add steel to the midfield. Still gives the ball away much more than Carrick and that area of his game needs to improve.
Little Carlitos Tevez 8.5
However well or badly he plays from this point on, United fans will continue to adore Tevez and chant the name of his motherland for the simple reason that he gives everything for 90 minutes. He also adds sublime skill and unpredictability to the front line. What a partnership he and Rooney could turn out to be. Rated as 8th best player in the world in The Times in the summer (with Lionel Messi 9th ).
