Irwin ‘a certainty’ in Ferguson’s greatest team

Alex Ferguson managed some of the best players in world football during his time at Manchester United but 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 Oldham in 1990 for just over £600,000 and although during his 12 years at the club he racked up seven league titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, one European Cup and one Cup Winners’ Cup, he remained a low-key figure in comparison to some of his more illustrious team-mates.

However, Ferguson regards Irwin as peerless when it comes to choosing his finest 11 Red Devils.