Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson named three of his former players who he believed were the most underrated from those he managed during his career at Old TraffordSir Alex Ferguson has managed hundreds of players at Manchester United (Image: Alain Gadoffre / Onze / Icon Sport via Getty Images)Sir Alex Ferguson named the three players he feels are the most underrated he managed during his legendary tenure at Manchester United. In a candid chat with Gary Neville, the Scotsman couldn’t separate Brian McClair, Park Ji-sung and Ronny Johnsen as the unsung heroes of his time at Old Trafford.The iconic manager, who won an astonishing 49 club trophies, opened up to SportBible about his picks: “There’s three players, I can’t split them. Brian McClair, Park Ji-sung, and Ronny Johnsen.” He also expressed regret over not utilising Park Ji-sung more effectively in the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona.Ferguson confessed to Neville: “When I watch the final against Barcelona at Wembley, I should have changed at half-time and put Park Ji-sung on Messi,” admitting that it was a tactical error on his part.”That was a mistake. I realised after 10 minutes and I was going to do it at half-time but I said, ‘we just equalised before half-time, they might see the game differently and we may grow into the game better’.”We’re actually quite good in the last 10 minutes of that game and we could have been in front. But if I had played Park Ji-sung against Messi, I think we would have beat them.”The trio of McClair, Park and Johnsen continue to be revered by the United faithful, as we take a look at what these Old Trafford legends have been doing since hanging up their boots.Brian McClairSir Alex Ferguson signed Brian McClair a year after being appointed Man United boss (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)The former Manchester United hotshot, has evidently switched up his style since hanging up his boots, rocking a bushy grey beard and lengthy locks that have left fans doing double-takes. The ex-forward, now 61 and host of ‘Life With Brian’ podcast, revealed his hairy transformation leads to some entertaining mix-ups with supporters.He said: “It happens an awful lot more than I ever imagined it would, particularly the fact I’m covered in this lovely grey stuff that’s growing out of my face. It’s entertaining listening. Sometimes I’ve been in situations where my name has cropped up and they’ve no idea it’s me, which is pretty bizarre.”McClair, known affectionately as Choccy during his playing days, even had a quirky response when people question him on his identity: “What I tend to say now when they ask if I’m Brian McClair is ‘I used to be’, which is quite flummoxing for a lot of people. ‘How can you used to be? Who are you now? What are you now?'”Brian McClair (right) looks unrecognisable these days(Image: @BanditBus / Twitter)Ronny JohnsenThe Norwegian basked in the glory of a successful stint at Old Trafford – hoisting three Premier League trophies alongside an FA Cup and a Champions League winner’s medal under Ferguson’s tenure. Admired for his versatility on the pitch, Johnsen served as a lynchpin in defence and midfield across his fruitful five seasons with the Red Devils.After his departure from United in 2002, he had brief spells at Aston Villa and Newcastle before hanging up his boots in 2008 after a three-year stint with Valerenga in his homeland of Norway. Choosing to pursue his coaching badges, the 55-year-old was named head coach of Eik Tonsberg, a team in Norway’s second-tier football league.Ronny Johnsen was one of the three most underrated players Sir Alex Ferguson said he managed in his career(Image: PA)He only spent a year at the club before being appointed as assistant coach for the Norwegian women’s under-23s in 2023. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Johnsen has also dabbled in media, working as a pundit and analyst for United games on Norwegian broadcaster TV2.Park Ji-sungDuring his seven years in Manchester, Park Ji-sung became the most decorated Asian player in history, boasting four league titles, a Champions League trophy and four League Cups. The ex-South Korea international played just two more seasons before retiring, featuring for Queens Park Rangers and then returning to his old club PSV Eindhoven for the 2013/14 season.The South Korean hero spent seven years at Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)Like Johnsen, he chose to complete his coaching badges and took the reins of QPR’s Under-16 side as part of his coaching B license. After leaving the west London club, Park joined K League 1 team Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as their technical director in 2022.He made some bold moves at the club, including bringing in former Chelsea ace Dan Petrescu as manager. However, the Romanian’s tenure was short-lived as he stepped down mid-season. Park then transitioned into an advisory role at the club, which saw another ex-Chelsea player, Gus Poyet, take over the managerial reins last year.Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
