Football Special Report: Top 13 legends that have played under Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (Part 2)
No.11 Andrew Cole (1995-2001)
Andrew Cole joined United back in 1995, after spending two successful years with Newcastle United. At Newcastle, the striker scored 55 goals in 70 appearances, which led to manager Sir Alex Ferguson signing the English international. At United, the striker formed a formidable partnership with Dwight Yorke and both of them were the mainstay behind United’s treble win in 1999. Cole’s winning goal against Tottenham Hotspurs led to United finishing at the top, above Arsenal, with just one point in between. That goal won the premier league for the Red Devils and United became the only team to win the treble.
Andrew Cole was the top scorer again in the 99/2000 season, where he scored 19 goals in just 28 appearances. The player won four premier league medals in his five seasons with the Red Devils and scored twenty goals minimum each season. Cole is remembered as one of the true Red Devil’s legend and left the club only to give more chance to other performers. The player was called on to play a special match in 2007, where he played a UEFA Celebration match. European XI vs. Manchester United was played to celebrate 50th Anniversary of European Community and 50 years of United being in the European Cup.
No.10 Gary Neville (1992-Present)
Manchester United Right back, Gary Neville, currently captains the side. Neville joined United back in 1992 but made his first senior appearance in 1994. The consistent right back still Captains the side and is a true loyal of the club. The player was an active part of all the seasons played and still remain a first choice right back, if fit. At the age of 35, the demanding job of a right back is easily taken care of by this English man, who doesn’t seem to age. Quite recently, Neville neutralized the Ronaldinho threat while playing the UEFA Champions league tie. Ronaldinho was effectively denied any opportunities by the 35 year old, which led to United not conceding at home. United won 4-0 against AC Milan, registering their first ever win over the Italian giants.
Neville was also an active member of the first team when United registered England’s first ever “Treble” victory. Neville in his youth was the most deadly of defenders and was respected by all. The right back didn’t let much pass his lines and loved to go forward and provide opportunities for his team mates to score on. The player is therefore a true legend of the Red Devils and is considered to be one of the best defenders of England.
Currently, the player has been seen to be fighting with injuries, which is expected at such an age. However, Neville is a fighter and has been resilient ever since. The defender remains an integral part of the United squad and has been faithful with the manager. At his time with United, the defender has won 8 premier league titles, 2 UEFA Champions league and 3 FA cups, which is a huge achievement. The player has been included in PFA Team of the year as recent as 2007 and was also chosen as right back in Premier league team of the decade. Ferguson still appoints him as the club captain and he is known for his well timed tackles and pace on the right side.
Neville alongside David Beckham formed a great right back right wing partnership and provided many assists to the team. Overall, Neville has been an active contributor towards United’s overall success. At United, it is a well known fact that no player is bigger than the club and all of the success belongs to the team overall. Neville has therefore always been a selfish team player.
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