Sir Alex Ferguson has named Ryan Giggs as his greatest Premier League player, placing the former Manchester United winger ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portuguese forward’s achievements at Old Trafford.

According to a report by BBC Sport on Friday, 6 November 2026, Ferguson’s choice was based on Giggs’ longevity, consistency and contribution to United’s success throughout the Premier League era. The former manager acknowledged other players but considered the Welshman’s influence unmatched.

The Premier League Hall of Fame was established in 2021, and 14 current and former players have since been inducted. The inaugural group included figures such as Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer. Ronaldo is also expected to join that distinguished group because of his achievements in the competition.

During his time at United, Ronaldo won the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2007 and 2008 and scored 103 league goals. His contribution established him among the club’s most celebrated players. Nevertheless, Ferguson’s preferred choice was Giggs, whose career at the highest level extended across many seasons.

Giggs won the Premier League title 13 times, a record, and registered 162 assists, the highest total in the competition’s history. Despite those accomplishments, his name has not featured prominently in discussions about possible future Hall of Fame inductees, including players such as Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah.

The report notes that Giggs is not eligible for induction because he has not officially retired from professional football. BBC Sport also speculated that controversy surrounding his personal life could have contributed to the absence of an announcement, although no official explanation has been provided.

Asked whether being overlooked concerned him, Giggs played down the significance of individual recognition. He explained that personal awards had never been his main motivation, insisting that winning matches and collecting medals were more important during his career.

Ferguson had previously described Giggs as one of only four genuinely world-class players he coached at Manchester United. His admiration was clear years before his retirement in 2013, with Giggs regarded as his outstanding choice.

Discussing the Premier League’s greatest player, Ferguson recognised other stars but maintained that Giggs’ career set him apart. He pointed to the winger’s ability to remain effective and dependable over a long period.

“Nobody can boast the same sort of longevity and consistency,” Ferguson explained.

The former manager’s selection highlights the value he placed on sustained excellence rather than judging greatness solely through individual awards or brief periods of peak performance. Ronaldo’s league titles, goals and personal honours make him a major figure in United’s history, but Ferguson’s assessment places Giggs’ durability at the centre of his argument.

Giggs’ record of 13 league championships and 162 assists supports that view. His long service at Old Trafford also made him a central figure across different generations of Ferguson’s teams, reinforcing the manager’s belief that his influence was exceptional.

While Ronaldo remains a strong candidate for future Hall of Fame recognition, Ferguson’s comments make clear that Giggs remains his personal benchmark for Premier League greatness.