Ferguson at work: top five signings

Five astute siginings made by Ferguson

Peter Schmeichel

Signed from Brondby, 1991 Schmeichel was recruited for around £500,000. Widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history, the Dane’s heroic efforts provided clean sheets aplenty and the security at the back which was so key to United’s success throughout the 1990s.

Christiano Ronaldo

Signed from Sporting Lisbon, 2003 Ferguson signed a teenage Ronaldo for £12.24 million and it looked as if he may have paid over the odds. He soon showed his game was not just about stepovers, though, developing into one of the world’s most potent players.

Roy Keane

Signed from Nottingham Forest, 1993 The £3.75 million Ferguson paid Nottingham Forest for Keane was a British transfer record, but he got value for money. In 12 years of service, the Irish midfielder was United’s engine room and driving force as they dominated through the 1990s and into the next decade.

Eric Cantona

Signed from Leeds, 1992 Cantona’s five-year spell at United will never be forgotten. The Frenchman, who cost Ferguson just over £1 million, gave the club’s fans many a moment to savour on the pitch with his dazzling skills, which helped United to a haul of four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

Edwin Van der Sar

Signed from Fulham, 2005 Van der Sar was 34 when he arrived at Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee, but the Dutch goalkeeper was in no way a fading force. It soon became apparent that Ferguson had finally found the solution in a position which had been a problem for United since Schmeichel’s departure.