David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and a number of other Manchester United legends have shed further light on the infamous ‘flying boot’ incident, often referred to as ‘Bootgate’, in the former footballers’ new self-titled Netflix documentary.
If you were a football fan in the early to mid-2000s, it didn’t matter whether you were a Man United fan or not: pretty much everyone and their nan heard about the time Sir Alex allegedly launched a boot at David Beckham‘s head during an argument in the dressing room at half-time.
Although it was initially reported that the manager threw the boot at him intentionally by the tabloids back of the day, the story continued to change over the years and the consensus eventually landed on the truth being that a frustrated kick of a stray boot accidentally hit the midfielder just above the eye.
The then 28-year-old was then pictured with a gash above his eye and ended up needing stitches. While the pair of them have talked about it independently in the past, Becks, Fergie and a number of ex-United stars who were present at the time have now gone into more detail on exactly how it went down.
"We all did it once. Every player that was with Sir Alex for a long time told him to f**k off once. And you didn't do it again."
The definitive story of what happened between David, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's boot. #BECKHAMpic.twitter.com/XFLRUbKlsX
Beckham, Ferguson and more give their account of the ‘flying boot’ incident.
As the United, Real Madrid and England legend goes on to recount the altercation as he remembers it: “We lost against Arsenal; we walked in the changing room and the boss is fuming, I can see by his face”.
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Being asked to recreate the face Ferguson used to make before one of his trademark and much-feared ‘hair-dryer’ rants, the 48-year-old tells interviewer and the documentary’s director, Fisher Stevens, that it’s simply an expression that no one can even come close to imitating.
Roping in old United kitman Albert Morgan and former teammate turned head coach himself, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, everyone gives their version of events, detailing how both Beckham and Ferguson were going back at forth at each other, exchanging expletives after the player disagreed with his manager’s criticism.
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After Gary Neville jokes that everyone who played under ‘the gaffer’ “told him to f*** once” but that they never did it again, they then explain how the manager kicked a pile of clothes on the floor and, in a freak accident, it turned out Solskjær’s boot was amongst them and it ultimately struck Beckham in the face.
20 years ago today, Sir Alex Ferguson infamously kicked a football boot out of frustration towards David Beckham, which resulted in Becks having stitches above his eye. The ultimate hairdryer treatment from SAF. #MUFCpic.twitter.com/AP8yFq41b1
As the clip teases, Beckham claims that tensions flared up even more after he drew blood and he even ended up having to be held back by his teammates
Admitting himself that it was a complete fluke and unintentional — Morgan quipping that “he couldn’t do it again if he tried” — Ferguson owned up to the accidental assault but has never backed down on being in the right in that argument.
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In fact, despite the footballing icon’s protests, the legendary United manager goes on to insist throughout the show that “David changed” after he became a celebrity, with the Netflix documentary doing a deep dive on everything meeting Victoria, his alleged affair with Rebecca Loos and more.
Another relatable married couple moment which viewers have been enjoying is how quick he was to call out the former Spice Girl on her fairly comfortable upbringing in comparison to his own. She was called ‘Posh’, after all.
Imagine getting roasted by your own husband on TV. So funny from David Beckham's floating head 🤣 https://t.co/hM1FamEXIy
10 ‘high-risk’ Manchester football fans arrested following recent violent disorder
Emily Sergeant
Several arrests have been made this week following an incident of violent disorder linked to a football match a few months back.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Specialist Operations branch were joined by colleagues from across the force – including those in Challenger teams – as they conducted several arrests around Greater Manchester this past Wednesday (13 December) in relation to violent disorder that recently took place.
The violent disorder in question occurred the day before Manchester United and faced FC Twente in the Champions League back in September.
Prior to the match, police say it is believed that a targeted and organised large-scale fight took place in the Lower Broughton area of Salford, all before the group of supporters then headed towards Manchester city centre.
As a result, 10 supporters – who are men aged between 20 and 64, and police say are suspected to be “high-risk” – are now in custody for questioning as investigations continue.
#ARREST | Earlier today we arrested 10 suspects in relation to violence that occurred the day before a game involving Manchester United and FC Twente.
Violence of any sort, whether it’s linked to football or not, will not be tolerated.
On top of this, when officers entered two properties on their search mission, two separate cannabis farms were found, and this meant that a 36-year-old woman was also subsequently arrested on suspicion of cultivation.
With the Manchester Derby now only days away, GMP says these arrests are a reminder that violence of any sort, whether it’s linked to football or not, “will not be tolerated” in our region.
Speaking ahead of the massive Premier League clash this weekend, Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, from GMP’s Specialist Operations division, commented: “With another big fixture coming this weekend, we want to send a strong message and reassurance that our specialised officers will be deployed to ensure you remain safe and peace is maintained, so you can enjoy the game.
“On occasions when enforcement is needed, those who are intent on causing harm will have to answer for their actions.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Pep Guardiola says he won’t manage another club after Manchester City
Danny Jones
Pep Guardiola has claimed he won’t manage another team after his tenure at Manchester City is up, so enjoy the ride whilst you can, Blues.
One of the most successful managers in history, Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the greatest managers to have ever lived but it looks like the 53-year-old is now starting to think about life after football – or at least after Man City.
Guardiola recently extended his stay at the Eithad with a new two-year contract but it did look like he was ramping up to leave until the 11th hour and it now seems as though his time at City will be his last in the world of club football.
Pep Guardiola claims that he won't manage another club after Manchester City…
When asked about his future by his fellow compatriot, Pep said: “I’m going to stop. I am not going to join another team, I’m not going to leave to go to another country. I won’t have the energy. For now, I’m still here but to think about starting again, the whole process of training – no, no.”
Energy has been a defining factor for so many managers of late, with long-time rival Jürgen Klopp having departed Liverpool FC as a result of the fatigue caused by the job.
With countless cups, six Premier League titles and a trio of Champions League trophies to his name, Pep has pretty much won everything there is to win, which will no doubt factor into his eventual decision.
That being said, Pep did go on to suggest that however long he stays in the sport after his time in Manchester is all said and done, his next role would likely be in international football as leading a country to major silverware is the one thing he hasn’t achieved just yet.
City have managed to get points back on the board in their last two games, notching a much-needed 3-0 against Nottingham Forest before only managing to scrape a draw against Crystal Palace this past weekend, but with a derby approaching this Sunday, all eyes are on Manchester.
With the title race already looking like a nigh on an insurmountable task given the points they’ve already drooped (even with Liverpool’s recent slip-up), Pep’s stress and energy are already pushed to their limits as it is.
You might only get a couple more years with the tactical genius, City fans, so make the most of it.
You can watch Pep Guardiola’s full interview with Dani García down below – though it is in Spanish so you will need subtitles on:
Danny Jones -
5th October 2023 
