Sport

Ferguson's gambles

Michael Owen’s move to Manchester United is the latest in a long line of surprise signings by Alex Ferguson

Sat Jul 04 2009 - 01:00

Michael Owen’s move to Manchester United is the latest in a long line of surprise signings by Alex Ferguson. Some have paid off, others haven’t

WINNERS

ERIC CANTONA

That the Frenchman’s qualities were ever considered a gamble may now seem laughable, but when he made the controversial move from Leeds it was far from a sure-fire success. Liverpool had earlier turned the forward down due to his temperament. Despite some notable flare-ups during his time in Manchester, his on-field influence was indisputable.

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TEDDY SHERINGHAM

When Cantona retired in 1997, United were hoping for a big name player to fill the creative void. When Sheringham arrived from Spurs, he did not represent the continental flair some had banked on, but he soon won over fans with his thoughtful attacking play. His goal in the famous 1999 Champions League final win makes him part of United history.

HENRIK LARSSON

Having played a match-winning hand for Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final, the Swede had returned home to Helsingborgs to end his playing career before being tempted into a brief loan stint at Old Trafford. Although he only stayed for 13 games, the veteran scored three times – including a winner on his final appearance against Lille.

LOSERS

MARK BOSNICH/MASSIMO TAIBI

Faced with the almost impossible task of replacing Peter Schmeichel, Ferguson struggled to find a man up to the task. Two of the least impressive were Australian Bosnich, signed from Aston Villa amid a blaze of hype and with wages to match, and Italian Taibi, who made four hapless appearances after a £4.4 million transfer.

JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON

Having shelled out £28 million on the Argentina playmaker in 2001, Ferguson was expecting a major impact from Veron. Instead, the former Serie A star turned in two seasons of frustratingly inconsistent performances before being packed off to Chelsea for a hefty loss.

DIEGO FORLAN

With a price tag of nearly £7 million and a lofty reputation from his time at Independiente, the Uruguayan’s failure to score for 27 games ensured he earned plenty of criticism. His form eventually picked up, with two goals against Liverpool the highlight, but his consistency at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid proves United never got the best of him.