I know he was THE best manager in world football, both tactically and in terms of man management. But he was renowned for ensuring no ones ego grew too big. Selling the likes Beckham in order to convey the idea that no one player was bigger than the club! All the players you mentioned were loyal and hardworking, putting themselves on the line for the club they loved. It was hardly a matter of Fergie allowing players to be twats like Balotelli, they were all well drilled and disciplined. Otherwise they were out the door, just look at Beckham, Sharpe, Ince, Van Nistelrooy, Schmichael etc. etc.