Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson will forever be a name etched in football mythology. The Scot remains a true managerial great, fondly remembered for his work at Old Trafford following his arrival from north of the border. In 2021, the 83-year-old named four managers that he rated highly – where are they now?
Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the best managers in football history – and for good reason, too! – and it’s safe to say that he knows what it takes to become a serial-winning boss. Many are envious of his collection of silverware in the hotseat.
As such, when the stubborn Scot speaks, people tend to listen. And four years ago, the legendary figure reeled off four managers that he held in very high regard. Spoiler alert: three of those are currently plying their managerial trade in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp
On the red half of Merseyside, there are few footballing figures that have been as influential as Jurgen Klopp, who spent time at the helm of Liverpool between 2015 and 2024. In that time, he transformed the Reds from an utter mess to rightful winners of the Premier League and Champions League.
When speaking to Gary Neville for SPORTbible, Ferguson recalled when he met the Stuttgart-born tactician – who racked up a points per match rate of 2.07 in charge of the Premier League outfit – in Switzerland and somewhat told him to move to England’s top flight.
He, of course, didn't realise that he'd become the manager of United’s arch-rivals, Liverpool. Alas, the ex-Borussia Dortmund manager called it time in 2024 and is now plying his trade as Red Bull’s Global Sports Director, an appointment that received mixed reviews.
Jurgen Klopp - Premier League Stats
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Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pointing
Acutely aware of the barrage of talent at his disposal, there’s seldom been a time during his career in the dugout where Pep Guardiola has struggled for extended periods. In truth, he’s been a success at every club he’s managed at – from Barcelona to Bayern Munich to Manchester City. But it’s been at the latter where the Santpedor-born tactician, 54, has enjoyed his best work: six Premier League titles and the solitary Champions League crown.
He was appointed in 2016 when the Premier League outfit were beginning their takeover. Ferguson admitted to meeting Guardiola in New York and, over dinner, asked him to keep him up to date with his next move. The revered tactician moved to the blue side of Manchester – and he’s since built a dynasty. In a 534-outing spell in the hotseat, he’s racked up an eye-catching points per match rate of 2.45, which is the best of any manager in Premier League history.
Pep Guardiola - Premier League Stats
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Eddie Howe
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe watching on from the touchline
By virtue of the magic he’s worked on Tyneside for Newcastle United, many fans forget that Eddie Howe made a name for himself at Bournemouth, overseeing a myriad of promotions, all the way up from League Two up to England’s primary division across two stints in the south coast dugout.
“Eddie Howe had a great period at Bournemouth for a young manager – and I think he did very well. Even though he was relegated, that doesn’t mean he isn’t a good manager. I think he is a good manager.”
Before Thomas Tuchel was appointed manager of England, there were whispers that Howe – who replaced Steve Bruce by taking charge of the Magpies in November 2021 – would replace Gareth Southgate. As things stand, the 47-year-old remains in the St James’ Park dugout and has won 91 of his 174 games in charge of the club, while he's also helped them return to Europe’s top table on two different occasions.
Eddie Howe - Premier League Stats
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Scott Parker
burnley scott parker
At the time when Ferguson waxed poetic about Scott Parker, he was in the Fulham dugout. Now 44 years of age, he famously relegated the Cottagers' team that includes the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ola Aina – but he has become something of a promotion genius.
“I think the boy [Scott] Parker at Fulham has done a great job. I’ve watched them a lot – and they keep playing their football. They don’t change, they don’t panic, they keep to the beliefs of the manager, and I think that’s a good indication to how good he is.”
To prove how quietly brilliant the former midfielder is, he is among the managers with the most Premier League promotions. At the time of writing, he’s managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley in England, while his 12-game Club Brugge stint is often forgotten about.
Scott Parker - Premier League Stats
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Watch Ferguson's full answer below:
All statistics per Transfermarkt - correct as of 25/08/2025