Sir Alex Ferguson’s tautologically titled book ‘My Autobiography’ (who else’s would it be?) is currently outselling Morrissey’s “Autobiography” (that’s more like it) on Amazon.co.uk.
Both are full of juicy tidbits from two very different Manchesters. Fergie’s has proved perhaps the most controversial, with its numerous swipes at sporting heroes such as David Beckham.
Sir Alex’s account of his dealings with Beckham is a strange mixture of paternal warmth and unresolved anger. His main beef seems to be that, quite early in his Manchester United career, Beckham’s head was turned by the lure of fame, and that that resulted in a lowering of his footballing standards.
In Fergie’s eyes, Becks became too big for his boots. It seems a harsh judgement considering the fates of other young players; the tragic case of Paul Gascoigne being an obvious example.
Under Sir Alex, Beckham had a brilliant career at Manchester Utd, scoring 76 goals in the Premier and Champions Leagues combined. For an idea of how United are faring post-Ferguson, try checking the odds on them winning the Premiership this season at http://freebets.org/.
Outside observers might be confused by Ferguson’s loss of faith in Beckham, which found expression in the boot-kicking incident that left the player with a cut above his eye.
Soon after receiving an OBE, he was sold to Real Madrid, a transfer that disgruntled the Barcelona bosses greatly.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that none of this sounds like the story of a player who’d sacrificed his talent for fame and money.
After a good spell at Madrid he swapped between LA Galaxy and Milan, finishing his career at PSG – and winning a fourth top-flight medal. Throughout, he was a star in an often disappointing England team.
It was Beckham’s outside interests that annoyed Ferguson most.
He gradually became a fashion icon, and his marriage to Spice Girl Victoria Adams ensured acres of press coverage of the pair for years to come.
He had a decade-long deal with Pepsi that ended in 2008. Several video games were centred on Beckham the brand. In 2013 he’s still involved in promo work for various corporations.
Now retired from club football, he recently described himself as a ‘frustrated touchline dad’. Three of his four children are currently involved with big English youth teams. He runs training sessions for youngsters in London.
“When I was a kid I thought my dad was a little bit harsh with me at times,” Beckham has said.
“Sometimes I needed an arm around me instead of my dad telling me what I did wrong but it obviously worked.”
You have to wonder if Alex Ferguson read those words recently and allowed himself a wry smile.
Image courtesy of Canal+ via YouTube, with thanks
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