Sir Alex Ferguson once said that during his legendary 26 years at Old Trafford, there were only 4 Man United players who were world class.

“If you read the newspapers or listen to TV commentators, we seem to be awash with ‘world-class’ footballers,” Ferguson wrote in his 2015 book ‘Leading’.

“In my book, there are only 2 world-class players playing today: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I have no intention of degrading or criticizing any of the great or very good players who I have played for During my 26-year career at Man United, there were only 4 world-class players.”

So which 4 players does Sir Alex consider to be world-class?

Cristiano Ronaldo 

Ferguson commented: ” Out of the four, Cristiano is like an ornament on the top of the Christmas tree.”

He later described the Portuguese icon as an “all-round genius player” in an interview with the BBC.

An uncontroversial choice, Ronaldo developed into a world-class superstar under Ferguson’s guidance, shining as Man United won three consecutive Premier League titles from 2006 to 2009 as well as the Champions League. League season 2007/08. Ronaldo remains the last Premier League footballer to receive the Ballon d’Or. It was the first of CR7’s 5 golden balls.

Eric Cantona

“When we brought in Eric Cantona, Man United won the championship that season. His presence and ability to score goals is unquestionable,” Ferguson said of King Eric, describing the French star as the ‘catalyst’ for the Red Devils’ era of Premier League dominance.

Ferguson’s team was only in the middle of the rankings when Cantona was signed in November from Leeds. His immediate impact saw them flourish from there, eventually becoming champions in their first Premier League season, 1992–93 by a 10-point margin over runners-up Aston Villa.

Ryan Giggs

It’s no surprise that Giggs makes the list, as he made 941 appearances under Ferguson, scoring 168 goals and providing 252 assists.

As the player most used by Ferguson at Old Trafford, the Welsh winger has won 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 3 League Cups, and 2 Champions Leagues.

Paul Scholes

Ferguson said in an interview with BBC: “Is there any player who has played throughout the Premier League and performed at the same level as Scholes and Giggs? There is none, absolutely none.”

Scholes is Ferguson’s second most-used player at Man United. Sir Bobby Charlton must tip his hat to his talent: “I don’t hesitate to point out that everything I think is the best about football is in Paul Scholes.

And in many ways, Scholes is my favorite player. I love his spirit and determination. He will find a way to win, through deadly passes or executing the decisive volley.”