Stoke City's 'jolly green giants' hold no fear for Manchester United, says Sir Alex Ferguson STOKE'S BIG MEN UP TOP • Peter Crouch - 6ft 7 • John Walters - 6ft • Kenwyne Jones - 6ft 2 • Mamady Sidibe - 6ft 4 Ferguson has plenty of time for Tony Pulis, who has transformed Stoke's fortunes since his arrival at the club in 2006. He has no truck with those who believe Stoke's robust style has no place in the refined arena of the Premier League. "Tony has done a fantastic job," said Ferguson. I can see progress every year, right from the foundations of the club in terms of youth players breaking through into the first team. Continuity brings consistency and they are a formidable outfit now. Yet it is undeniable Pulis prefers taller players, so it seems slightly odd he should be the one who snapped up Michael Owen after his United contract expired in the summer. The 32 year-old has been limited to a couple of substitute appearances so far, which in itself is a positive given the amount of time he spent on the sidelines in his three years with United. "Michael is not allowed to play unless he brings ladders," said Ferguson. He is a fantastic player. But we had the opportunity to sign Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck were improving and developing as players, Wayne Rooney was there of course, and then with young strikers like (Federico) Macheda, Will Keane, Josh King and Bebe it was difficult to hold on to Michael. But he's a brilliant professional and a top man. I was disappointed to let him go.