From English icons Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes to global stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson worked with some of the greatest footballers of all time throughout his hugely successful 27-year spell at Old Trafford.

Widely considered one of the greatest managers in history, Ferguson built his reputation on winning. He remains the most successful manager in Premier League history, having secured 13 league titles and an incredible 38 major honours during his Manchester United tenure.

Despite managing an abundance of elite talent, Ferguson once singled out a former Manchester United attacker as ‘the greatest British player of all time’. Although he never got the chance to work with him personally, the player's exceptional skill, creativity and influence ensured his place in the club's history.

Sir Alex Ferguson Hailed 'Fantastic' George Best

Ferguson, according to the Mirror, once labelled former Manchester United star George Best ‘the greatest British player of all time’, describing him as a truly ‘fantastic’ footballer:

Ferguson continued: "When you talk in world terms, the problem with Bestie is that he never played in a World Cup Final or World Cup semi-final.

“Players in that situation are denied the chance of being assessed among the greatest players in the world. Nonetheless, George is up there in the pantheon of great players.”

Best is often recognised as one of football's most gifted natural talents. He arrived at Manchester United as a teenager in 1958 and became a key figure in the club's success throughout the 1960s.

The Northern Irishman played 470 times for the Red Devils, registering 179 goals and 61 assists. During his time at Old Trafford, he helped the club secure two First Division championships and the European Cup in 1968.

That same year, he also claimed the Ballon d’Or, becoming the only player from Northern Ireland to have won the prestigious individual award.

After spending the opening 11 years of his senior career at Old Trafford, Best left Manchester United in 1974. He subsequently embarked on a remarkable journey, representing around 14 clubs in countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, China and the United States.

Best was renowned for his incredible ability on the pitch, with his mesmerising dribbling, technical quality and knack for deciding matches setting him apart from his contemporaries. His footballing brilliance earned admiration from some of the sport's biggest names, including Brazilian legend Pele, who once selected Best as one of his favourite footballers ever.