Premier League Hall of Famer Andy Cole paid the ultimate tribute to one “selfish” Manchester United legend after branding him a “real fantastic player.”
Andy Cole was recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame alongside Chelsea legends John Terry and Ashley Cole in the class of 2024.
The former Manchester United and England striker was on the 15-man shortlist alongside John Terry, with Ashley Cole being an automatic inductee.
Cole and Terry came out on top from the combined votes from fans and the Premier League Awards Panel, with the United legend earning his rightful recognition.
The class of 2024 were recognised at a celebratory event in London on Tuesday after both Cole and Terry were announced as inductees on Monday.
Cole had a prolific playing career at Old Trafford and enjoyed incredible success under legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The ex-England international, who arrived at the Red Devils from Newcastle United in 1995, scored an impressive 121 times in 275 appearances for the Red Devils.
Cole relished in a remarkable strike partnership with fellow United legend Dwight Yorke at Old Trafford and was a key part of the treble-winning team in 1999.
The United legend lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League and two FA Cups under Sir Alex Ferguson before his departure from Old Trafford.
Andy Cole talks ‘selfish’ Man Utd legend
Andy Cole shared the pitch at Manchester United with a roster of talented players, including fellow club legends Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
The former Three Lions striker left Old Trafford in 2001 after falling down the pecking order at United and signed for Blackburn Rovers.
Sir Alex Ferguson preferred to play Ruud van Nistelrooy as his main striking option after landing him for a then-British record transfer fee of £19m in 2001.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who arrived at Old Trafford from PSV Eindhoven, had a prolific impact at United and the lethal former Red Devils talisman became a fan favourite.
Speaking to the Premier League’s official YouTube channel, Cole was tasked with building his best United XI featuring his former teammates.
The United legend selflessly left himself out of his own team and picked Van Nistelrooy as the strike partner for Dwight Yorke.
Cole admitted that Van Nistelrooy was “selfish as hell,” despite adding that the quality helped the Dutchman excel in his position.
“I don’t think I’m vain enough to include myself,” he said.
“I always liked him. Got on well with him. He was selfish as hell, but Ruud, they say when you’re playing up there you’ve got to be selfish.
“Ruud was an individual, when he played, Ruud was very blinkered.
“[…] Could be very frustrating, but you know, Ruud lived for goals and I can’t take away his qualities and he was a real fantastic player.”
Cole’s ‘ultimate’ Man Utd XI of former teammates
Cole built an impressive United XI and included several club legends, including Gary Neville, Denis Irwin and Jaap Stam.
Posted below is Cole’s best United XI featuring his former club teammates.
- GK: Peter Schmeichel
- RB: Gary Neville
- CB: Jaap Stam
- CB: Ronny Johnsen
- LB: Denis Irwin
- RW: David Beckham
- CM: Roy Keane
- CM: Paul Scholes
- LW: Ryan Giggs
- ST: Ruud van Nistelrooy
- ST: Dwight Yorke