Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed an illustrious 29-year managerial career, during which he had remarkably few regrets. The Scottish legend holds the title of
the most successful manager in football history, with an impressive haul of 13
Premier League titles and two
Champions League trophies, among various other honors.
Ferguson’s transfer acumen was exceptional; he signed numerous talented players, from a young
Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest to the future star
Cristiano Ronaldo. His ability to identify talent and enhance it was unparalleled as
the
Manchester United manager.
Sir Alex Ferguson Passed Up Chance to Sign ‘Phenomenal’ Icon
‘I Have Regretted Not Doing the Deal Ever Since’
However, one missed transfer opportunity remains vivid in the mind of the now 83-year-old. In the final weeks of his career at Old Trafford, Ferguson confessed that he regretted not signing one of English football’s most iconic players.
In May 2013, shortly before officially retiring, Ferguson expressed high praise for Chelsea legend
Frank Lampard, who is the
highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history.
Lampard joined Chelsea from
West Ham United in 2001, but Ferguson had the chance to sign him for Manchester United and reflected on this missed opportunity.
“Lampard is fantastic, he’s an incredible player. If he gets to the 202-goal record at Chelsea, it will be a fantastic achievement. I don’t think there will be another midfield player who will do that again.”
“I looked at him when he was at West Ham as a young player – and I have regretted not doing the deal ever since. Where else could I have got 200 goals from midfield?”
He even compared Lampard to a United icon, noting, “Lampard is quite phenomenal. He has the great knack that Bryan Robson had of timing when to arrive in the box…. that has brought Frank more than 200 goals.”
Frank Lampard’s Highest Ballon d’Or Finish
He Once Finished Above Cristiano Ronaldo
While Cristiano Ronaldo was the star for Manchester United during the latter part of Ferguson’s tenure, the Portuguese player ranked below Lampard in the 2005
Ballon d’Or standings. This may have marked the beginning of Ferguson’s significant regret regarding Lampard.
Though Ronaldo would ultimately win the Golden Ball five times, he ranked 20th in 2005, while Lampard nearly secured the prestigious award, finishing second to Brazilian star Ronaldinho.
Statistics in this article are courtesy of
Transfermarkt. Correct as of 01-08-25.
