In one of the most high-profile bust-ups that Sir Alex Ferguson has ever had, with one quick kick of a stray boot to the temple of his prized wide-man, the footballing icon was off to sunny Spain. For years, both parties stuck to the story that Beckham had been attracted to the lure of the Real Madrid 'dream', and while he would always feel something for the Red Devils, he needed to try and test himself as a Galactico. Now where have we heard that before? It's only more recently that the charade has begun to unravel, with the former England captain since claiming that he never wanted to leave the club in the first place, and only did so at the behest of his manager. Growing weary at Beckham's growing celebrity status and fame stature, which had included marrying a Spice Girl, Ferguson needed this 'celebrity aspect' banished from the Old Trafford dressing-room. With the pair falling out over an apparent 'drop in application level', Beckham refused to accept Ferguson's criticisms, leading the volatile Scot to launch a boot at his head, striking him above the eye. Exacerbating matters, Beckham sported a not-so-subtle Alice band the next day to highlight the damage. It was clear he had to go.
''The minute a Manchester United player thought he was bigger than the manager, he had to go. David thought he was bigger than Alex Ferguson. That was the death knell for him.'' - Sir Alex Ferguson, October 2013.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
