Alex Ferguson: I only worked with four world-class players at Man Utd

[tototoner]

according to his new book

http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/sto...rld-class-players-at-manchester-united-092315

In his new book, Leading, the 73-year-old also highlights Cristiano Ronaldo as the best footballer he ever worked with in his career.
"If you read the papers or listen to the television commentators, we seem to be awash with 'world-class' footballers," the Scot said.

"In my book there are only two world-class players playing today: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I don't mean to demean or criticize any of the great or very good footballers who played for me during my 26-year career at United, but there were only four who were world class: Cantona, Giggs, Ronaldo and Scholes.
"And of the four Cristiano was like an ornament on the top of a Christmas tree."

 

[Dharmabum]

I agree with his comments, "If you read the papers or listen to the television commentators, we seem to be awash with 'world-class' footballers," but I do regard Schmeichel as a world class goalie.I also disagree that at present only Ronaldo and Messi can be considered "world class" - if a player like Iniesta is not "world class" in his opinion then certainly Scholes aint either.

 

[tobi]

IMO Iniesta was world class, now he's just an excellent player.

 

[Geyzer Soze]

Modric > Scholes

Done it in 3 leagues too.

With the exception of Messi, who is really in a class of his own you have to have done it in a couple leagues to be considered world class IMO.

& what about The Zlatan?

 

[RichieS]

Surely a World Class player is someone who would make a 23-man World XI squad? How can you say that (e.g.) Neuer is not a world class player when he's the best player in his position in the world?

 

[nailsy]

Surely a World Class player is someone who would make a 23-man World XI squad? How can you say that (e.g.) Neuer is not a world class player when he's the best player in his position in the world?

Yeah, I'd say a world class player is one of the best two players in a particular position in the world at any time. I guess he's talking about players who could be considered an all-time great. It seems he's struggling with this concept the same way he struggled to understand that matches should only last 90 minutes and that refs should be impartial.

 

[dontcallme]

Modric > Scholes

Done it in 3 leagues too.

With the exception of Messi, who is really in a class of his own you have to have done it in a couple leagues to be considered world class IMO.

& what about The Zlatan?

Surely being world class is based on the players quality.

By your definition Pele was not a world class player

 

[Misfit]

Agree with the other 3, not sure about Cantona. He was mercurial and batshit insane at times and a very good player but eh. Maybe that's my own thinking clouding the issue. I've never though Cantona was shit or anything toher than excellent but just never classed him in that bracket myself.

 

[Donki]

Modric > Scholes

Done it in 3 leagues too.

With the exception of Messi, who is really in a class of his own you have to have done it in a couple leagues to be considered world class IMO.

& what about The Zlatan?

Sorry, Scholes was better than Modric for me. He could simply could do everything, I think he's one of the best modern day footballers I have seen. His comments to Real Madrid will always stay with me, something along the lines of "if you want me to play for your club, buy Manchester United", I hated him when we played United but he was world class. We get spoiled sometimes with the players we watch week in week out I think.

 

[Misfit]

Very sad day when he retired from international football. We went from slim chance to fat chance.

 

[Donki]

Very sad day when he retired from international football. We went from slim chance to fat chance.

England have not had a midfielder like him since and I don't see anyone in his mould coming through... Maybe Alli at a very big push with Spurs tinted glasses on.

 

[UncleBuck]

I agree with his comments, "If you read the papers or listen to the television commentators, we seem to be awash with 'world-class' footballers," but I do regard Schmeichel as a world class goalie.I also disagree that at present only Ronaldo and Messi can be considered "world class" - if a player like Iniesta is not "world class" in his opinion then certainly Scholes aint either.

But he is only talking about players he has worked with. Have to agree Leaving schmeichel out is criminal though!

 

[Misfit]

Dayum. Forgot about Schmeichel. Just a superb goalie. Took them years to replace him, if you can say they have ever.

 

[Dharmabum]

But he is only talking about players he has worked with. Have to agree Leaving schmeichel out is criminal though!

He mentioned Messi as well, and as far as I know Fergie never worked for Barca in any way or form And he certainly did work with Schmeichel

 

[UncleBuck]

He mentioned Messi as well, and as far as I know Fergie never worked for Barca in any way or form And he certainly did work with Schmeichel

Oh I forgot that little toe rag, either he was pissed when he scripted it or I'd had toooo much rum and was trying to be smart..

 

[aliyid]

Breaking news somebody releases a book and has a controversial opinion the day it goes on sale...

If he wasn't releasing a book he would say more were world class (or at least try to justify breaking so many transfer records on non-world class players).

My opinion is that he's tried to get a rise out of Beckham and failed miserably as it looks like Rio is the only fishy to take a nibble

 

[nailsy]

Breaking news somebody releases a book and has a controversial opinion the day it goes on sale...

If he wasn't releasing a book he would say more were world class (or at least try to justify breaking so many transfer records on non-world class players).

My opinion is that he's tried to get a rise out of Beckham and failed miserably as it looks like Rio is the only fishy to take a nibble

What did Rio say?

Becks must have known that Fergie didn't think he was world class. He was like Gary Neville...a really good player whose work rate and commitment made him a great player.

 

[Gbspurs]

Fergie is getting confused between world class and best in the world.

 

[robbiedee]

Fergie is getting confused between world class and best in the world.

I thought this...If there only two world class players in Ronaldo and Messi, what other players would make up the numbers in a World XI???

He's either got mixed up in his old age or talking bollocks...either way I wouldn't believe anything from someone who puts ornaments on top of their Christmas tree!

 

[Spurrific]

I think he's slyly sniping at Rooney.

Berbatov was world-class imvvvvvho