Fergie: I only had 4 world class players

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that throughout his 26 year reign of the red devils, he only ever managed 4 world class players. The news comes just after his new book 'leading' was released, in which he goes into detail largely about his years with the red devils and how he became so successful with them.

Four for Fergie: The Scot claims only four of the players he's managed were world class

You'd be called a liar if you thought that Fergie would only say he's managed four world class stars, fans and maybe even players must be absolutely astounded by the latest statement from the club great. "I don't mean to demean or criticise any of the great or very good footballers who played for me during my 26 year career at United" The scot began "But for me there were only four players who were world class: Cantona, Giggs, Ronaldo and Scholes"

Sir Alex Ferguson has always been one to come out with statements of shock, but many feel this could be a step too far. The Schmeicels, the Beckhams, the Nevilles etc didn't even get in, some of these players were the best of their generation, but then again who are we to question Fergie? The man has defied the odds time after time, he's beaten the best and been the best. His trophy laden managerial career is simply unmatched in the world of football, especially with the longevity of 26 years and 38 honours in total.

All is revealed however in his new book 'leading' which we will be getting a copy of very soon, however in recent interviews, Ferguson was given chance to explain his views on his 'Fantastic Four'. "Ryan and Scholes were just fantastic players and the thing about those two was the longevity" the former Aberdeen man told the media "Are there any players who have played right through the whole of the Premier league and performed at the top level they have? None, Absolutely none"

Le Magnifique: King Cantona is still sang about to this day

When Asked about Eric Cantona: "It was just his mere presence and his ability to make and score goals" Fergie went onto describe Cristiano Ronaldo as the "Ornament on top of the Christmas tree" of the four and described him as a "Genius". The question remains however, well multiple questions about so many different players who served the scot proudly down the years at Old Trafford, surely there had to be more who fitted into this top bracket?

We take Roy Keane for example. Ofcourse it is well known about the mutual hatred and utter dislike both men now have for eachother, but in those years from 1997 to 2001 of Keane's Captaincy, he was Fergusons midfield general and could arguably boss and dictate the whole game himself. A great example being how he pulled his United side through in the Champions league semi final away to Juventus, scoring an equaliser and putting in a stand out performance, despite being banned for the final. Does this not merit a mention in Fergies top bracket?

What about David Beckham? This man was unquestionably the best free-kick taker of his generation. His Unique ability to bend a football seemingly any which way from a deadball situation was truly remarkable, hence the expression to "Bend it Like Beckham". The England Midfielder was sold by United to Real Madrid to become part of their Galactico setup, but does this still not get into Fergies very top top players list?

Despite the revelations however, David Beckham has expressed his content with the managers comments, even if he was left out of the list of four. "I tend to agree with the manager, there's certain players you can call world-class, thankfully i played with many of them" 

What About Wayne? The now Manchester United Skipper has scored 234 goals in 487 games for United

What about Wayne? The current reds skipper has surely proved himself to be one of the leagues deadliest ever strikers and has now become Englands all time leading scorer, but even he did not make Fergusons final four. Why? Why is such a decorated player, with his goals record not be included in a list of world class players? 234 goals in 487 games ( essentially a goal every two games one average) and having scored in World cups, Euro championships and Champions league finals surely merits a mention at Fergusons top table. 

Notable mentions also to some outstanding players go to Peter Schmeichel, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Dennis Irwin, Edwin Van Der Sar, Partice Evra, Gary Neville and Robin Van Persie could also have very strong cases to warrant a last accolade from the greatest manager of all time. These players were undoubtedly United Legends and have forever left their mark on the club. As for Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary fiery Scotsman who turned Manchester United into the greatest club in the world should not be questioned, but thanked, for all he has done for football and Manchester United, despite his sometimes controversial opinions.