Sir Alex Ferguson did a hell of a lot right at Manchester United, but people always forget that the Scot did a lot wrong during his time at Old Trafford – they’re still trying to overcome the mess the Premier League’s most successful manager left them in.
From Jordi Cruyff to David Bellion, Sir Alex has a list as long as your arm of failed signings, overpriced flops and embarrassing acquisitions. But what’s amazing is that, somehow, some of those chaps are still knocking around the beautiful game!
Guiseppe Rossi
Sort of similar to Forlan, the Italian striker struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford, struggling with injuries and from the fact he was shit. However, he had a bit of a resurgence at Villarreal. And then just dropped off the map. No need to spend £89million to bring this one back, United. But if you're looking for him, he's knocking around at Celta Vigo on loan. Image Source: Joe
Diego Forlan
Weird one; figure of ridicule at United, only to leave and become one of the most impressive strikers for several seasons. The former Atletico Madrid striker is currently seeing out his playing days in the Indian Super League with Mumbai City FC. Image Source: Standard
Kleberson
The former World Cup-winner(!) isn't even good enough to play Major League Soccer. Currently with American team, Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Image Source: The Secret Footballer
Alan Smith
Should've been synonymous with so much more, however, the former Leeds United and Manchester United is the first person that springs to mind when someone says 'leg break'. Never quite reached the heights many thought he would, and is now just thankful to still be playing at Notts County. Image Source: Perform Group
Eric Djemba-Djemba
Forget #Pogback, it's all about trying to bring home the cult hero, Djemba-Djemba. However, the Red Devils may struggle to get him back to Old Trafford, with EDD said to be thoroughly enjoying playing for FC Vallorbe-Ballaigues in the fifth tier of Swiss football. Image Source: Independent
Liam Miller
Such a Football Manager 'regen' name. Will forever be one of Sir Alex Ferguson's more bizarre and downright stupid signings. The one-time midfield partner to the likes of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes is now in the third tier of the United Soccer League with Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Image Source: Wikipedia
Zoran Tosic
Football Manager sensation, at one point, played a mere two games for the Red Devils before they somehow got £8million from CSKA Moscow for the winger - those were the days when transfer fees still had some sort of relevance. He's still there now, being as nondescript as ever. Image Source: Blog Spot
What Sir Alex Ferguson achieved was always impressive, but when you realise the fiery Scot accomplished it all with the likes of Liam Miller, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson in the middle of the park, your respect for the great man grows that little bit more.
Out of the current crop of Red Devils under Jose Mourinho, we are placing money on Luke Shaw, Sergio Romero and Antonio Valencia making such lists in five years time: “Luke Shaw, who runs a part-time burger van outside Billericay Town FC’s ground, is a tad chubbier than his playing days at Old Trafford.”
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