They might even throw current manager, Kenny Dalglish's name into the bag as he won the league managing Blackburn. But, when the facts are all revealed, no one could really deny the effect Sir Alex Ferguson has had on the English game in the last 25 years.

Ferguson became manager of Manchester United on Nov. 6th, 1986 after a very successful stint at Scottish club Aberdeen (which included a European Cup Winners Cup success by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final). But, Ferguson's first few years were mainly about changing an aging mentality at United into a disciplined and fit unit that could play as a team.

His first trophy as a Manchester United manager came in 1990 with an FA Cup win over Crystal Palace. The first game ended 3-3 while United won the replay 1-0. That game is said to be the game that saved Ferguson's career with Man United as many fans and pundits were calling for his sacking. A few months earlier, fans displayed a banner with the words "Three years of excuses and it's still crap.. ta-ra Fergie" at Old Trafford in protest to team displays and results.

A year later, the European Cup Winners Cup followed with a 2-1 win over Barcelona, where Ferguson vowed he would win the league title the following year. Since then, it has been more of a fairy tale for Ferguson.

12 English Premier League titles; 4 FA Cups; 4 League Cups; 2 European Champions Leagues; 1 Intercontinental Cup

1 FIFA Club World Cup; 9 Community Shields.

But Ferguson actually started as a player, showing up for Scottish clubs Queen's Park, St. Johnstone, Dunfermline, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr Utd. As a striker, his record of 170 goals in 317 matches (a goal in less than every other game) is very impressive.

Maybe having the natural ability of a player helped Ferguson to further understand player mentalities and needs, as he has been well known as a master in transforming players and getting the best out of them. A prime example would be Eric Cantona, who arrived from Leeds with a 'bad boy' image. Ferguson would work on Cantona's aggression and produce the best out of the Frenchman, transforming him into an icon for the Red Devils.

So, with a plethora of talent having passed through Ferguson's net, who would you go for as Ferguson best Manchester United team?
 


I believe the big Dane's arrival in 1991 was a major turning point for Manchester United. Arguably, the best goalkeeper to have played, Schmeichel became a rock at the back of United's lines, racking up 292 appearances.

Edwin Van Der Sar: The Dutch goalkeeper was bought by Ferguson after many failed attempts to replace Schmeichel. Keepers like Fabian Barthez and Mark Bosnich all failed to bring the security and stability Ferguson craved at the back. But Van Der Sar came in after turning his career at Fulham (after a disastrous stint at Juventus) and gave Ferguson what he needed. He appeared in 186 Man U games.

To many of the modern day supporters, the name won't hit a nerve. But Dennis Irwin was the perfect back. A Left back who could cross with his preferred right foot, excellent dead ball specialist and as quiet as a mouse yet efficient in his performances. He played 368 times for United, scoring 22 goals.

Gary Neville: The older of the Neville brothers, Gary was on of the first of "Fergie's young guns" to break into the first team. Never the flashy player, yet a Manchester United fan through and through. Went on to captain the squad and appeared in 400 games for United before retiring last summer.

The Senegalese-born-Frenchman had reached the Champions League semis with Monaco before joining Manchester United, but he has evolved into an excellent left back as well as a captain of the squad.

Signed in 1987, Bruce went on to form an excellent understanding and partnership with Gary Pallister. He was co-captain when United finally won the league in 1992 (scoring a vital goal in the home win against Sheffield Wednesday) and went on to make 309 appearances for Manchester United. Currently manager of Sunderland.

Ferguson swooped in to sign the impressive Vidic for £7m in January of 2006. He formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand, and is considered an essential part of Manchester United's current defensive scheme.

Jaap Stam: Signed from PSV Eindhoven in 1998, Stam made 79 appearances for Man United, and was the type of defender players want to stay away from. Was sold to Lazio after comments made in his autobiography attacked Ferguson's man management techniques.

Ferguson identified Rio Ferdinand as a top talent and made a £30m bid which was a record paid for a defender when United bought him from cash-stripped Leeds United. Brother to QPR's Anton Ferdinand and cousin to former England International, Les Ferdinand. Rio has appeared in nearly 250 games for Manchester United.

If ever there was a player more serious about the game, it was Roy Keane. Signed from Nottingham Forest where he had already established himself as a star, Roy matured into a leader and a wonderful reader of the game. Known for his hot head and famous duals with Patrick Vieira, Roy was sent off 11 times for United in 480 appearances. But Roy is most famous for putting in a star performance against Juventus in Turin even after receiving the yellow card, which meant he was out of the Champions League final with Bayern Munich.

One of Ferguson's young guns (along with Beckham, Giggs and the Nevilles). Scholes quit his international career to concentrate on playing for United, and like Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, he was a United player all his life. 466 games and 102 goals are a great return from the bulky midfielder.

One of the few to make the limelight from the crop of players Ferguson inherited, Robson was an England international and made 345 appearances for Manchester United after joining from WBA. Although he missed the majority of the 1991-92 season through injury, Ferguson made sure club captain Robson shared the joy of lifting the Premiership trophy for the first time with Steve Bruce.

Nicknamed "The Governer", Ince was signed in 1989 and made over 200 appearances for United. He was basically replaced by Roy Keane when he decided to join Inter Milan in 1995.

It's difficult to make your pick on United wingers. For years, Ferguson's plan has always relied on efficient and skillful wingers to deliver balls into the area. David Beckham emerged as a young talent in 1993, when many criticized Ferguson's decision of selling many first teamers and relying on a bunch of young players. Beckham's ability from dead ball situations emerged as a main weapon for Man United as well as England. Beckham made 266 appearances for Manchester United before moving on to Real Madrid in 2003.

In 1990 Giggs made his Manchester United debut at the age of 17 in a 2-0 home defeat to Everton. 619 games later, and the 38 year old is still playing for the Red Devils. He may have lost some of his electrifying pace but the skills and vision are still there. He came into the side as cover for the injured Lee Sharpe. Many today don't know who Lee Sharpe is!

Ferguson bought teenager Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 for £12.25m to become the first Portuguese to sign for Manchester United. Ferguson nurtured Ronaldo and brought out the best out of the winger, as Ronaldo played 196 times for United, scoring an impressive 84 times. He was sometimes used as a striker and was very effective from corners as well as dead ball situations. Sold to Real Madrid for a record £80m.

Ferguson repeated the Ronaldo experience by signing young winger Nani from Sporting Lisbon. The winger took a while to adapt to life in England, but burst into life after Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid. His performances last year were simply spectacular with very significant goals helping the team to the title.

Ashley Young: The newest addition to United's wing attack plan. Young joined from Aston Villa in the summer and has been on fire from Day 1.

It's hard to start a list of influential Manchester United forwards with any player other than Eric Cantona. The Frenchman made 144 appearances for United, but was one of the main catalysts behind their rise to the top of the English Clubs. Was banned for attacking a Crystal Palace fan who aggravated him.

Signed in 2001 for £19m from PSV a year after the original deal was supposed to happen due to an injury he picked up. Ruud continued his impressive goal scoring record with United and went on to score 95 goals in 150 games for the Red Devils.

Also known as "Sparky". Hughes started his career with United and returned to them after a 2 year spell with Barcelona. Scored the goal, against his old club, that won United the Cup Winners Cup. Formed a good partnership with Brian McClair.

The former Everton striker joined United for £25.6m in 2004. He can be utilized in a deeper playmaking role, but as a striker, has matured into England's main talent in attack as much as Manchester United's main striker. Has a reputation of having a hot temper.

It only fits that the two strikers as mentioned together. For the few years they were in the same United side, they formed what was rumored to be a telepathic understanding between them. Their displays in Manchester United's 1st Champions League win proved that you don't need to be a world-class striker to be efficient. They jointly made 290 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 140 goals.

Maybe I missed someone, or maybe you'd prefer to have Gary Pallister or Dimitar Berbatov or even Michael Owen in your side. Post your favorite Ferguson 11, and I'll let you know what I think.