Queiroz has revealed what really happened in the changing room that day
Carlos Queiroz has revealed the full story behind the infamous ‘flying boot’ incident that took place after a Manchester United game.
If you’re not familiar with the tale, back in 2003, Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Fifth Round after losing 2-0 to Arsenal, in which winger Ryan Giggs missed an open goal when it was goalless.
As expected, this infuriated manager Sir Alex Ferguson – who was prone to losing his temper on the odd occasion – but it wasn’t actually Giggs who received the brunt of the famous hairdryer treatment.
Ferguson’s relationship with David Beckham had been on tentative hooks amid several arguments about his high-profile relationship with now-wife and then member of the Spice Girls, Victoria Adams.
As a result, the fiery Scotsman directed his anger at Beckham, before proceeding to kick a football boot in his direction, which caught his eye.
Players were so stunned that they had to restrain Beckham from retaliating in the dressing room, and the former England international was then sold to Real Madrid the following summer for a fee of £30million.
But Ferguson’s former assistant manager has since revealed all, stating that despite many thinking that the ex-United boss struck a sweet connection to hit Beckham in the face with the boot, it didn’t come off quite how intended.
“It’s time to establish the truth behind that story,” Queiroz told FourFourTwo.
“Someone once told me that if he had intended to hit Beckham with that boot, Sir Alex’s left foot must be real quality!
“I was there in the dressing room that day and, let’s put things right, it was not a good shot because the boot first hit a table and only after went in Beckham’s direction. Sir Alex, I’m sorry but your left foot was not as good as you think!”
United play Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday (2 December) where newly-appointed interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be in the stands, after his work permit didn’t come through in time to take charge from the dugout.
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