Rio Ferdinand Reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Regret Was Failing to Sign Karim Benzema

• Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has opened up on Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest regret during his hugely successful 26-year stint at Old Trafford
• Ferdinand is convinced Ferguson's failure to bring Karim Benzema to Manchester United will go down as the legendary coach's huge regret
• Karim Benzema has enjoyed a highly productive scoring a brace in last night's Champions League tie against Man City to take his tally for the season to 40

Retired England defender turned football pundit Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's inability to land Karim Benzema will go down as Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest regrets in coaching.

Benzema is enjoying his most prolific season since joining Real Madrid in 2009 while single-handedly leading the club's La Liga and Champions League pursuit.

The Frenchman's form has drawn many admirers with many tipping him for the coveted Ballon d'Or award.

Ferdinand, who has been raving about Benzema's performances this season, particularly in the Champions League, disclosed how the latter could have joined the Old Trafford outfit instead of his current employers.

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“The first time I played against him was 2008, and that was the first time I had seen him up close and personal. If you see the goal he scored against us, look how many players are around him, but all he needed was one touch, it was all one motion.

He explained that a combination of factors may have diverted his move to Manchester United despite Sir Alex Ferguson's keen interest in him.

“I remember coming off the pitch and Sir Alex Ferguson said, ‘don’t worry, I’m trying to get him. But with his African connections, and how influential Real Madrid was, he chose them.

The former United defender without a shred of doubt believes Ferguson's failure to bring Benzema to Old Trafford may have been the legendary coach's biggest regret.

“I think, looking back, Sir Alex will believe that is one of his biggest regrets not getting him to sign for the club.”

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Sir Alex Ferguson honoured with a statue by Aberdeen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson was given the honour of unveiling his own statue at Aberdeen stadium Pittodrie in Scotland.

The two-time UEFA Champions League winner was joined by his former Aberdeen players as the club unveiled the bronze statue located outside the Richard Donald Stand.

The sculpture was based on a photograph taken of Sir Alex at Easter Road in 1980 after a 5-0 win over Hibernian clinched the Scottish title, the first time in 15 years a club outside of Celtic and Rangers had won the championship.