In 2001, Jaap Stam released his autobiography in which the defender described what appeared to be scenes of Sir Alex Ferguson tapping him up from former club PSV. The book would have huge implications for both the club and player, with Stam shipped off to Lazio soon after. Stam effectively ended his United career with the autobiography, and caused huge controversy by raising questions over the legality of his transfer to Old Trafford in 1998. The Dutchman said in his book:
'We had to keep everything under wraps, so the club (PSV) didnt find out about the unofficial approach. We spent most of our 30 minutes just talking about what my plans were and how hed like me to come to Old Trafford. There was no discussion about positional play, contracts or money. I guess he just wanted to meet me and see what kind of guy I was. He strode into the room, full of confidence and smiling broadly. 'Jaap, I want you to play for Manchester United, he said. `I want you to command our back line and help us to win the Champions League.
Ferguson was irate with the publication of these revelations and sold Stam later that year for £16.5 million, and though the Scot would later claim he sanctioned the sale because the money on offer was too good to turn down for a player who was, at the time, 29, it was ultimately the book that sealed Stam's fate. In the wake of the scandal, PSV accused United of acting "against the rules and the spirit of world football" though did not take legal action over the tapping up claims.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
