“I didn’t anticipate the tremendous impact Heinze would make. I knew him as a tough and an uncompromising Argentine defender but hadn’t totally appreciated his athleticism and enthusiasm. He’s a winner and a great asset to the defence.”
“Rio has been in incredible form. He is the best centre-half in the world. You have to remember he is still only 25 and is improving all the time.”
Ferguson's greatest challenge
At least after years of coping with people such as Eric Cantona and Roy Keane, Ferguson is thoroughly versed in handling the complex relationship between exceptional talent and self-destruction.
"Sir Alex will see this as a little hiccup," said Peter Taylor, manager of the England Under-21s and Hull City. "No one is better equipped to handle it. He'll talk to Wayne and make sure he understands that cameras are following his every move.