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Man Utd icon David Beckham admits attempt to attack Sir Alex Ferguson during explosive row
Things got ugly between the pair of Man Utd greats
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David Beckham has shed new light on his infamous bust-up with legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003. The Old Trafford great has revealed he attempted to attack Ferguson in retaliation to getting a boot launched at his head after a defeat to Arsenal.
Tensions between the pair were rife just months before Ferguson sanctioned a £25million transfer to Real Madrid against Beckham's will.
And their relationship exploded in the dressing room after Arsenal dumped United out of the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
Beckham started on the right wing as goals from Edu and Sylvain Wiltord on either side of half-time earned the Gunners a memorable win at the home of their bitter rivals.
Ferguson was, unsurprisingly, seething at full-time, having been bettered by long-time rival Arsene Wenger, while Arsenal posed the greatest threat to United's hunt for a 15th league title.
Beckham has recalled the iconic Scot was furious with him for failing to track his runner in the build-up to one of Arsenal's goals.
And the former United No 7 admitted instantly regretting swearing at Ferguson, which escalated their row and led to him receiving a bruised eye from his boss.
"We walked into the changing room, and the boss was fuming. I could see it by his face," Beckham told his Netflix documentary.
"And when you see the boss' face like this, you don't want to be anywhere near him. It is a face that no one can do, trust me.
"I went back at the boss [who was 'effing and blinding'] and said 'no', and then I swore. I said the f-word.
"And then I saw him change, and I was like, 's**t, I really shouldn't have said that'. I think I said the f-word too many times."
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Beckham revealed that was the point when Ferguson kicked a boot at his face, damaging his eye, to which he saw red and went for his manager.
The Inter Miami president and co-owner of Salford City added: "I went at him - someone had to hold me back."
It was also confirmed by ex-United boss and Beckham's old teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that it was his boot that Ferguson used to demonstrate his anger.
Arsenal went on to win the 2003 FA Cup, beating Southampton 1-0 in the final. However, United reigned supreme in the Premier League, fending off the Gunners' challenge by five points.