Irwin one of my best Reds, says Ferguson

SIR ALEX Ferguson managed some of the best players in world football at Manchester United - and insists unsung hero Denis Irwin would be the first name on his greatest team line–up.

The Republic of Ireland full–back was bought from Athletic in 1990 for just over £600,000 - but while in his 12 years there he racked up seven league titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup, a European Cup and a Cup Winners’ Cup, he remained a low–key figure compared to some of his teammates.

But not in Ferguson’s eyes.

“People ask who is your best Man United team,” said Ferguson.

“Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in the team. I called him an eight out of 10.

“At Highbury in one game he had a bad pass back in the last minute and (Dennis) Bergkamp came in and scored.

“After the game the press said I had to be disappointed — but I said one mistake in 10 years wasn’t bad. He was an unbelievable player.”

Irwin, who had moved to Boundary Park on a free transfer from Leeds in 1986, made 204 appearances for Athletic under Joe Royle, leaving for Old Trafford after the season in which he played in the League Cup final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.