Sir Alex Ferguson was in no doubt when asked who his worst-ever Man Utd signing was

Sir Alex Ferguson once spoke of his worst-ever Manchester United signing.

Sir Alex Ferguson once spoke of his worst-ever Manchester United signing.

Ferguson’s 26 seasons at United were marked by Premier League dominance and peppered with European glory. Across over two and half decades at United, he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League titles.

While the Scot is widely regarded among the greatest managers in history, like anyone, every once in a while he would get it wrong.

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Indeed, back in 2009, Ferguson revealed the worst signing he ever made while United manager – Ralph Milne.

Speaking at a League Managers Association dinner Ferguson admitted that Milne, who moved to Old Trafford in November 1988 from Third Division Bristol City, was his primary transfer regret.

He admitted as per the Guardian: “My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it.”

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Milne scored three goals in 22 games in his first season at Old Trafford before losing his first team place.

The midfielder went on to be released in June 1991 and never played football again.

Meanwhile, Ferguson also gave an honourable mention to the £3.5million United paid in 2003 for Eric Djemba-Djemba.

Ferguson said Milne was his worst ever signing (Getty)


Ferguson said Milne was his worst ever signing (Getty)

“So good they named him twice,” Ferguson cheekily said.

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Of course, Ferguson’s time at the Old Trafford helm also saw some shrewd business, with Peter Schmeichel having been dubbed by the manager as “the bargain of the century” upon signing from Brondby for £750,000.

Elsewhere, Eric Cantona, who scored 82 two goals in his five seasons at United cost just £1.2million from Leeds, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s £12.25million transfer from Sporting Lisbon put him on a trajectory to become one of history’s greatest ever players.

Featured Image Credit: Getty/Sky Sports

Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Football, Transfers

Chris Byfield
Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I’m also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don’t hold this against me.