Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has singled out five incredible signings that Sir Alex Ferguson made during his time at Old Trafford.
Mike Phelan played under Sir Alex Ferguson in the late 1980s and in the 1990s during his time as a Manchester United player at Old Trafford.
The ex-United player lifted a Premier League title, a European Cup Winners’ Cup, an FA Cup and a League Cup with the Red Devils before he signed for West Brom in 1994.
Following his career as a football player, Phelan later returned to Old Trafford and became part of Ferguson’s first-team coaching staff at the Premier League club.
The 62-year-old former United first-team coach would become assistant manager at the Red Devils after Carlos Queiroz’s departure in 2008.
Phelan enjoyed a successful period as Ferguson’s second in command, including serving under the former United manager until the Scotsman retired in 2013.
He would take up his role as assistant manager for the second time at Old Trafford after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer permanently succeeded Jose Mourinho at United in 2019.
Phelan picks three Ferguson signings
Mike Phelan dropped his two cents on the five best signings that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made while he was at the Premier League club.
The former United assistant manager had Red Devils legend Eric Cantona as his first pick and Phelan praised the Frenchman’s incredible talent on the pitch.
Following on from Eric Cantona, Phelan turned his attention to Park Ji-sung and he called the United cult hero a “bundle of energy” and deeply admired his work ethic.
“My top five signings that Alex Ferguson made in my time,” he told BBC Sport.
“Number one, Cantona, he brought something completely left field to whatever was going on at the time. French, good-looking, he knew how to play football, he gelled the team into that winning mentality.
“Number two, Ji-Sung Park, he was one that nobody really knew about nobody understood that signing at the time, but what a bundle of energy, he could run all day.”
Phelan’s third choice in his top five Ferguson signings was none other than Robin van Persie, who was signed from United’s rivals Arsenal in 2012 for a £24m fee.
According to Phelan, Robin van Persie was the “difference” for Ferguson’s final season at Old Trafford after United lifted their last Premier League title.
The former United and Arsenal striker scored an impressive 26 times in 38 Premier League matches in the 2012-13 campaign and captured the Golden Boot award.
“Three, Robin van Persie, he took us to the title in Sir Alex’s final season, made the difference,” Phelan continued.
Phelan singles out two Man Utd legends
Joining Eric Cantona, Ji-Sung Park and Robin van Persie on Phelan’s five-man list were none other than United legends Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Phelan praised “enthusiastic” England legend Wayne Rooney for being a “winner,” while Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo was lauded for his legendary playing career.
“Four, Wayne Rooney, a great signing, young, enthusiastic, winner,” he added.
“Five, Ronaldo, he speaks for himself because he was going to be or was in his mind the best player in the world.
“He achieved that at Manchester United, Real Madrid and he’s still playing to this day.”
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