“My worst signing” — Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson may be known for one thing — his legendary status as Manchester United manager of the early premier league era. But amongst many other things, the former Red Devils’ boss had his own weaknesses and shortcomings despite having more hits than misses.

On the transfer front, the Scotsman reveals he had a lot of doubts over the success of one of his signings in the transfer market.

According to Sir Alex Ferguson, he had a lot of reservations over the move for Owen Hargreaves prior to the Englishman making the move to Old Trafford to link up with his squad.

The Scottish legend also revealed aside having reservations over the move for Owen Hargreaves, he considered one Manchester United player as his worst signing at the club.

During his remarkable 27-year stint at the helm of Manchester United, Ferguson cemented his legacy as one of football’s greatest managers, securing an impressive array of silverware, including 13 Premier League titles, numerous FA Cups, League Cups, and Champions League triumphs.

While the Scot unearthed gems like Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, and Cristiano Ronaldo, he also encountered disappointments such as Bebe and Gabriel Obertan.

Speaking candidly about his recruitment decisions, Ferguson revealed that Hargreaves, despite his versatility and potential value to the team, left him with lingering doubts due to concerns about his injury record and playing consistency.

In his second autobiography, Sir Alex Ferguson wrote;

“He could play right-back, wide right or central midfield. I played him wide right in the 2008 final against Chelsea, and when we started to struggle against their midfield three, I put him in the middle of the park with Rooney wide right and it worked.”

Yet, despite Hargreaves’ impressive performances for England at the 2006 World Cup, Ferguson admitted to feeling uncertain about the player’s suitability for Manchester United.

“I look back less fondly on our move for Owen Hargreaves. I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. I didn’t feel a strong vibe about him.”

On his worst signing, Sir Alex Ferguson points at the late Ralph Milne being one of them, with the Man United legend still condemning the £170,000 fee the club paid.

“My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it.”