SIR ALEX FERGUSON brutally labelled an England cult hero as one of the most “disappointing signings” of his Manchester United career.
The midfielder was marked as the man to replace long-serving skipper Roy Keane after an award-winning performance during the 2006 World Cup.
During his 27 years at Old Trafford the Scot signed football geniuses like Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona.
He also picked up Keane, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-Sung who perhaps fell into the ‘signed for their mindset’ category.
But as well as several superstar signings, Fergie was also responsible for a few spectacular flops.
And the now-83-year-old revealed that two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves fell into the ‘underwhelming’ category.
Hargreaves joined United from Bayern Munich in 2007, having built a reputation as one of nation’s best midfielders, especially after winning England’s Player of the World Cup in 2006.
And his career at Old Trafford started well, winning the Premier League and Champions League double in his first season.
Fans will also remember him scoring a penalty against Chelsea in the European final in Moscow, but Ferguson doesn’t recall his time so fondly.
Despite Hargreaves’ early success in a United shirt, Ferguson looked back on his decision to sign him with regret.
Fans remember Hargreaves scoring a penalty in the shootout against Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow[/caption]
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In his autobiography ‘Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In’, the Scot claimed he had had doubts over Hargreaves from the start.
Ferguson wrote: “We started to put together a bid for him. But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt.
“I didn’t feel a strong vibe about him. David Gill worked hard on the deal with Bayern.
“I met Owen’s agent at the World Cup final in Berlin. Nice man, a lawyer. I told him we could develop Hargreaves at United.
“It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever.
“He didn’t show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking.
“I saw him opt for the easy choice too often in terms of training. He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career.”
It turned out to be a disaster.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Things quickly went downhill in 2008, with a recurring patellar tendinitis problem virtually ending Hargreaves’ career.
He would make just five more appearances for United after his debut season, before joining Manchester City for one, injury-ravaged campaign in 2011.
Hargreaves, who won four Bundesliga titles in 218 games for Bayern Munich, scored just two goals in 38 appearances for the Red Devils.
The former midfielder now works as a pundit to TNT Sports.
