In February 2003, one of the most extraordinary events to surround Manchester United occurred when Sir Alex Ferguson infamously kicked a boot at David Beckham's head. United had just been knocked out of the FA Cup by rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford, and Ferguson was furious, giving his players one of his legendary dressing downs with hairdryer set to overdrive. Froth oozing from mouth, face bright red and neck muscles twitching, Ferguson was on a roll, and illustrated his anger by kicking a pile of kit on the floor. Unbeknownst to him, within that pile was a football boot, which launched from the ground before colliding with Beckham's forehead, resulting in the midfielder needing two stitches. It cost Ferguson dear. In 2003, Beckham left for Real Madrid, never to play for United again, and however innocent the incident might have been, United lost a great player due to Ferguson's actions on that fateful day.
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.
