The forbidden story of when Ferguson assaulted Beckham with a football boot

Diego Forlán, recently retired from professional football, has opened up about some of the most shocking episodes he witnessed during his career. In a recent interview with Mirror and Fox Argentina, the Uruguayan footballer recounted a particularly explosive incident involving Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham during his time at Manchester United (2002-2004).

The Spark: A Missed Defensive Duty

According to Forlán, the catalyst for the confrontation was a moment during an FA Cup match against Arsenal. Ferguson was reportedly furious that Robert Pires had been able to advance down the wing unchecked, with Gary Neville out of position and Beckham failing to provide adequate cover.

A Heated Exchange

The tension in the dressing room after the game was palpable. Forlán described how Ferguson and Beckham engaged in a heated exchange, with neither willing to back down. The war of words escalated, with insults and accusations flying between the two men.

The Boot That Flew

As the argument reached its climax, Ferguson, in a fit of anger, turned his back on Beckham. However, Beckham responded with a further remark, prompting Ferguson to retaliate. The manager grabbed a stray football boot from the floor and kicked it towards Beckham, striking him in the eyebrow.

A Near Brawl

Forlán recounted the stunned silence that followed the boot incident. He and his teammates could hardly believe what they had just witnessed. The situation quickly threatened to escalate into a full-blown physical altercation, with both Ferguson and Beckham seemingly ready to fight.

Intervention by Keane and Van Nistelrooy

Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy intervened, stepping in to separate the two men and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Their timely intervention averted what could have been a truly damaging brawl.

The Aftermath

The incident left a lasting impact on the relationship between Ferguson and Beckham. While they outwardly maintained a professional front, the tension between them was palpable. The boot incident is often cited as one of the key factors that led to Beckham's eventual departure from Manchester United to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003.

A Testament to the Intensity of Football

Forlán's account of this explosive clash between Ferguson and Beckham provides a fascinating insight into the intense emotions and personalities that collide in the world of professional football. It serves as a reminder that even the most successful teams and players can be embroiled in conflict, and that the pressure to perform at the highest level can sometimes lead to explosive situations.