According to a report by BBC Sport on Friday November 6, 2026, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his greatest player in Premier League history, overlooking Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portuguese forward’s remarkable achievements during his trophy-laden Manchester United career at the club.

The former United manager, widely celebrated as one of football’s finest coaches, selected Ryan Giggs, whose outstanding longevity, consistency and contribution helped define the club’s success throughout the competition’s decades at Old Trafford.

Since the Premier League Hall of Fame began in 2021, twenty-four former players have been inducted. Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry received the inaugural honours, followed by several celebrated English football icons.

Ronaldo is expected to join that distinguished group after scoring 103 league goals for United and winning the Premier League Player of the Season award twice, in 2007 and 2008 during his career.

Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane are also strong future candidates, while Giggs remains a notable omission despite winning thirteen Premier League titles and recording 162 assists, the competition’s highest total in league history.

Only retired professionals qualify for induction, and Giggs has not yet received recognition. BBC Sport suggested controversy surrounding his personal life may explain the decision, although no official reason has been publicly announced.

Asked whether the omission bothered him, Giggs dismissed the suggestion, explaining that awards were never his priority. He said winning matches and collecting trophies had always mattered far more throughout his playing career.

Ferguson had previously described Giggs as one of only four genuinely world-class players he managed at United. In 2009, five years before Giggs retired, he ranked the Welshman above everyone at the time.

“Nobody can boast the same sort of longevity and consistency,” Ferguson explained, acknowledging other players’ influence but insisting Giggs’ remarkable career made him his choice as the Premier League’s greatest by far.