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Ferguson named his 'worst United signining' but what happened to him?

Sir Alex Ferguson is regarded as perhaps the greatest manager to have ever graced the Premier League

During the 26 seasons he presided over Manchester United, the Scottish football coach won a monumental, winning 38 trophies that included 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies. 

Ferguson was an excellent man manager with the 82-year-old having coached among some of the best players to have played in the top-flight

The coach would oversee the development of the famous class of 96' side, that included the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. Meanwhile, in later years, he'd bring Premier League legends including Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to the club.  

But while the manager's imperious record at United might suggest otherwise, questions have arisen over some decisions he made during his time as United boss. 

Sir Alex Ferguson once named the 'worst signing' that he ever made as Man United manager
Sir Alex Ferguson once named the 'worst signing' that he ever made as Man United manager  

In 2009, Ferguson revealed at a League Managers Association dinner who the 'worst signing' he had ever made was while he was Man United manager. 

He admitted, per The Guardian, that it was midfielder Ralph Milne, stating: My worst signing? Ralph Milne. 

'I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it.' 

Milne arrived from Bristol City in 1988. He'd go on to score three goals in 22 games during his first season at Old Trafford, before he fell down in Ferguson's pecking order. 

The, midfielder, who hailed from Scotland, was subsequently released by the club in 1991.

Prior to joining Man United, he had enjoyed spells at West Ham and Charlton, gaining the majority of his professional experience while playing for Dundee United - where he scored 16 goals across 45 appearances in all competitions. 

While at Old Trafford, he'd sit between Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath in the dressing room and would also sneak off to Ascot without Ferguson’s permission with Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson.

Ferguson said that former Dundee United midfielder Ralph Milne was his worst signing
Ferguson said that former Dundee United midfielder Ralph Milne was his worst signing  
Ferguson claimed that he had paid £170k for Milne who scored three times in 22 appearances
Ferguson claimed that he had paid £170k for Milne who scored three times in 22 appearances
During his playing career, Milne also enjoyed spells at Bristol City and Charlton Athletic
During his playing career, Milne also enjoyed spells at Bristol City and Charlton Athletic

He is also renowned for scoring during Dundee United's 2-1 victory against rivals, Dundee, which saw his side win their only Scottish Premiership title in 1983, notably chipping the ball into the back of the net for the goal from around 25 yards. 

Milne, who was described as a brilliant, pacey football talent, would move to Hong Kong to play for Sing Tao SC, spending a year playing for the club before returning to the United Kingdom, where he would not play professionally again, quitting football at the age of 32. 

Sadly, Milne would pass away at the age of 54, having previously spent time in hospital for liver problems.

The Scot would go down as a Dundee United legend scoring to help them win their only league title
The Scot would go down as a Dundee United legend scoring to help them win their only league title

For many Dundee United fans he is remembered as a legend, with ex-United team-mate Paul Hegarty telling Mail Sport that he 'will always remember his title winning-goal'. 

He said: ‘It was typical Ralphie - cutting in with the ball at his feet and hitting that cheeky chip over the keeper. He’ll go down in United history for that goal and will be etched in people’s minds forever for it.’

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