Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he only coached four world-class players in 26 years at Old Trafford, snubbing the likes of David Beckham and Roy Keane.
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Ferguson launched his new book, Leading, on Monday night and insisted there are only two world-class players in the current game, before listing the four best players who played for him.
"If you read the papers or listen to the television commentators, we seem to be awash with 'world-class' footballers," he said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
"In my book, there are only two world-class players playing today: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I don't mean to demean or criticise any of the great or very good footballers who played for me during my 26-year career at United, but there were only four who were world class: (Eric) Cantona, (Ryan) Giggs, Ronaldo and (Paul) Scholes.
"And of the four, Cristiano was like an ornament on the top of a Christmas tree."
Ferguson snubbed players like Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, but paid tribute to another set of United players.
"There were big influences, like Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Steve Bruce," said Ferguson.
"They were not the type of have egos. They weren't the best footballers, but they had wonderful desire and made sure they were the best players."
Read: Ferguson Reveals Why He Retired Early
Ferguson won 38 trophies during his time at United, among them 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.
Would you agree that Scholes, Giggs, Cantona and Ronaldo were Ferguson's only world-class players? Have your say in the comments section below.
