Sir Alex Ferguson had amazing pull power when it came to signing players as Manchester United manager, although he also passed on many opportunities to bring certain players to the club.
Having won the Premier League 13 times as Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest manager English football has seen.
The Scottish coach was responsible for United’s domination period, winning the Champions League twice, but that wouldn’t have been possible if he hadn’t assembled great teams.
It would be next to impossible to create a top 10 list of best players under Ferguson that every United fan would agree with because there are so many contenders to consider before settling on a fair ranking system.
Amazingly, many of the best players to play under Ferguson graduated through United’s academy. He knew how important youth development would be to the future of the club, which is why he put so much trust into former youth team coach Eric Harrison.
Joe Cole at Luton Town v Forest Green Rovers
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Joe Cole recalls meeting Sir Alex Ferguson
Joe Cole was one of the most sought-after players in England during his childhood.
Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham, Millwall and United were all interested in signing him as an academy prospect at the age of 12.
Ferguson intervened to see if he could convince the young Londoner to move up north.
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Cole recalled meeting Ferguson as a kid on That Peter Crouch Podcast and being blown away by the legendary manager.
“I went up and met him and we watched the game,” said Cole.
“I was in the office and all that. Went around the training ground and all that. That’s how good he was, mate. He’s going for Premier League titles. And I wasn’t the only one, but obviously I made it.
“There might have been other kids who were the best at under 13s or under 12s.
“We went up there and we went to the training ground and he had us in the office. And it’s not unusual for him. That’s why he’s the best at what he does.”
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Cole eventually joined West Ham’s academy before breaking into the senior team. He also went on to play for Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Coventry City, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Belstone.
He won the Premier League three times during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Joe Cole record against Man Utd
After playing against United 30 times across all competitions, Cole won 11 matches and lost 12.
The biggest game came in 2008 when United beat Chelsea on penalties in the Champions League final. Cole played 99 minutes before being substituted in extra time before the shootout.
In his final match against United, Cole recorded an assist as Villa lost 3-1 thanks to goals from Ander Herrera (x2) and Wayne Rooney.