According to a report by BBC Sport on Friday, November 6, 2026, Sir Alex Ferguson has named his greatest player in Premier League history, overlooking Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portuguese forward's impressive achievements during his successful spell at Manchester United.

The former United manager, widely regarded as one of football's greatest coaches, chose Ryan Giggs, whose remarkable longevity, consistency and contribution played a major role in shaping the club's success throughout the Premier League era.

Since the Premier League Hall of Fame was established in 2021, 24 former players have been inducted. Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry were the first recipients of the honour, with several other celebrated figures joining them in subsequent years.

Ronaldo is expected to become part of that distinguished group after scoring 103 Premier League goals for Manchester United and winning the competition's Player of the Season award in 2007 and 2008.

Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane are also considered strong candidates for future induction. However, Giggs remains a notable omission despite winning 13 Premier League titles and registering 162 assists, the highest total in the competition's history.

Only retired players are eligible for the Hall of Fame, but the former Wales international has yet to receive the recognition. BBC Sport suggested that controversy surrounding his personal life could be a factor, although no official explanation has been provided.

When asked whether his absence from the Hall of Fame bothered him, Giggs played down the issue, explaining that individual awards had never been his main concern. He maintained that winning matches and collecting trophies were always more important to him during his playing career.

Ferguson had previously described Giggs as one of only four genuinely world-class players he managed at Manchester United. In 2009, five years before the Welshman retired, the former manager had already placed him above every other player.

“Nobody can boast the same sort of longevity and consistency,” Ferguson explained, acknowledging the contributions of other footballers but maintaining that Giggs' outstanding career made him his clear choice as the greatest Premier League player.