Last week, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed in his new book that he only managed four world class players at Manchester United. The lucky four were Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his former player Gary Neville has spoken out and he doesn’t entirely agree with his gaffer’s claim.
The former Manchester United defender was careful about criticising his former boss on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, despite some joking around with Jamie Carragher. Neville has said that his former teammate Peter Schmeichel and ex-captain Roy Keane were both worthy of inclusion in the Scot’s list.
"The one that stood out for me is Peter Schmeichel," Neville said.
"He was definitely from my career at Manchester United a world-class goalkeeper. If he wasn't a world-class goalkeeper then I don't know what was. Roy Keane, as well."
Despite not agreeing to Ferguson’s claim, Neville has accepted that the former United boss was stating his opinion and the debate isn’t an objective one.
"At the end of the day, it's people's opinion," Neville added.
"This is just noise really, it's pub talk."
Thirty-two trophies were shared between Keane and Schmeichel during their time at Old Trafford before leaving the club in 2005 and 1999 respectively. Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Japp Stam, who both shone during their time at United, did not make the cut on Ferguson’s list.
The former United manager had fallouts with Stam, Keane and Van Nistelrooy while Schmeichel joined rivals Manchester City in 2002. Perhaps, the goalkeeper’s move could go some way to explaining his omission by Ferguson.
