Ferguson's five best Man Utd signings according to AI - with Ronaldo third

05 November 2023 , 06:00

412     0

Ferguson's five best Man Utd signings according to AI - with Ronaldo third

Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed plenty of success at Manchester United with the help of one or two world-class players over the years.

Ferguson, 81, was at the helm for 27 years before stepping down in 2013 and won a staggering 13 Premier League titles, two European Cups, four FA Cups and five League Cups during his legendary Old Trafford tenure.

During his time in power, the Scotsman boasted a number of players who ranked amongst the very best in the world, the majority of whom became almost synonymous with success throughout their careers. But who was really the best of the best? Mirror Football asked the question to ChatGPT and here's what they've come up with...

5. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Join the debate! Who do you think is Ferguson's best-ever Man Utd signing? Let us know here.

So, according to AI, Van Nistelrooy was a "prolific" forward who played a "crucial" role in Manchester United's success during his five-year stint at the club. We wouldn't argue with any of that.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Given that he plundered 150 goals in 219 games and cost United just £19million, it feels like Van Nistelrooy is definitely deserving of a place on this list. His impact, arguably, transcends his relatively brief period at the club and he remains one of the deadliest finishers in Premier League history.

Perhaps Van Nistelrooy would have ranked higher were it not for the fact that United have seemingly been blessed with goalscorers more often than not.

4. Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel won the treble with United back in 1999 (Corbis via Getty Images)

Schmeichel is in next and he's certainly one of the club's most decorated goalkeepers in recent memory. AI outlines that the shot-stopper played a "pivotal" role in United's success after joining the club in 1991 and, again, it's hard to argue with that.

The Dane was a colossus in between the sticks for the Red Devils and was part of the iconic 1999 treble-winning team. He didn't do too badly in the rest of the 90s, either. Schmeichel's place in United folklore is already assured, so a prominent spot on this list is par for the course.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo evolved into a superstar under Sir Alex Ferguson's guidance at Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)

Now here's where things get interesting. Ronaldo is ranked third despite his significant impact at Old Trafford, which originally became his home back in 2003.

The Portuguese megastar - and multi-time Ballon d'Or winner - evolved into a bonafide superstar at United, something AI acknowledges, but after plundering 118 goals in 292 appearances during his first spell at the club (we'll forget about chapter two) and helping United to three Premier League titles and the Champions League, it feels like third is perhaps a bit low.

Ronaldo cost the Red Devils just £12.2m as a highly-rated but unknown teenager and has gone on to become one of the greatest players the planet has ever seen. He achieved plenty at Real Madrid, but the foundations of his success were laid in Manchester.

2. Roy Keane

Roy Keane was one of Ferguson's most important signings

So often United's captain in both name and spirit, Keane gets a prominent spot on the list - maybe too prominent? That's up for debate. After all, if we're talking about value for money, Keane cost United just £3.75m (albeit a British transfer record at the time) and won no less than seven titles during his 12 years at the club.

AI describes Keane as a "legendary midfielder" who became renowned for his "leadership and tenacity" which again is pretty much spot on. And according to the technology, only one signing made by Fergie eclipses United's iconic skipper.

1. Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona had a seismic impact at Manchester United after joining the club in 1992 (PA)

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that 'The King' ranks above all others. Cantona had a transformative effect after joining United from their bitter rivals, Leeds, for £1m in 1992.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

AI describes Cantona as a "catalyst for success" as his arrival coincided with the club's first Premier League title. There's no denying the impact that the mercurial forward had and he played an influential role in the United team that dominated domestically in the 90s.

Dan Marsh