New Premier League Hall of Famer Andy Cole has insisted that one “fantastic” Manchester United legend is “very underrated,” despite the incredible praise he receives for his career.
Andy Cole took his rightful place in the Premier League Hall of Fame after he was announced as one of the latest inductees in the class of 2024.
The 52-year-old legendary former striker was on the 15-man shortlist for potential inductees, with fans able to vote for their picks for the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The fan votes were combined with those from the Premier League Awards Panel and United legend Cole and Chelsea legend John Terry came out on top.
The Premier League announced Cole’s Hall of Fame place on Monday, with a celebratory event held in London on Tuesday to recognise the latest inductees.
Cole and John Terry featured in the class of 2024 alongside Chelsea legend Ashley Cole, who was announced as an automatic Hall of Fame inductee in March.
The former United and England striker had a prolific spell at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson after he was signed from Newcastle United in 1995.
Cole forged an iconic strike partnership with fellow United legend Dwight Yorke and the two became key attacking figures in Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams of the past.
The ex-United star lifted five Premier League titles under Ferguson and was an integral part of the iconic Red Devils side that captured a famous treble win in 1999.
Cole deeply admires Man Utd legend
Andy Cole left Old Trafford in 2001 and went on to play for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Fulham and Manchester City before calling it time on his career in 2008.
Following his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame, the United legend was asked to build his all-time XI featuring his former Red Devils teammates.
Cole has spoken highly about his relationship with Roy Keane, both on the pitch and off it, and candidly opened up about his deep admiration for the United legend.
Roy Keane is widely regarded as one of the best captains of all time and made a long-lasting mark during his time under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 52-year-old Irishman was widely revered for his leadership skills, with Keane excelling as United captain during his legendary spell at Old Trafford.
Keane was a linchpin figure for Ferguson both as a leader and as a midfield presence, with the ex-United skipper excelling as a box-to-box midfielder.
The Irish hardman revelled in the success he helped usher in at Old Trafford, including captaining United to their continental treble in the 1998-99 season.
Cole argued that United legend Keane is still “very underrated” in his eyes for what the former United midfielder was doing in his era in the Premier League.
Speaking to the Premier League’s YouTube channel, he said: “In centre midfield, Roy Keane.
“Played with fantastic players in that era, but Roy was, Roy had this X factor.
“I still believe that he is very underrated for doing what he was doing, especially at that time. His leadership qualities were a joke.
“If you go into a football match, and Roy is your captain, you’ll always say to yourself, ‘Yeah, don’t worry, man. We got a great chance of winning this game.’”
Cole talks Premier League Hall of Fame induction
Cole admitted that he was thrilled with the recognition he received with his Hall of Fame induction after admitting his dad wanted him to play cricket instead of football.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved in football, which is thanks to my family, my coaches and my teammates, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame makes me very proud,” he told the Premier League’s official website.
“Football is a game of ups and downs, but I enjoyed every single minute of my career.
“My dad wanted me to play cricket, but I said, ‘No, Dad, I think I’m good at football.’ Looking back at my career always fills me with great pride and puts a smile on my face.
“The reason you play football and compete at the highest level is to win major honours.
“It was so, so special for me to win so many trophies and five Premier Leagues. To get my first one was crazy and after that I just wanted to win more.”