David Beckham "went for" Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot kicked a boot which hit his face - sparking scenes fit for a gangster movie.
Beckham was restrained by team-mates as he lost control after being hit by the flying boot following defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal, the serialisation of his autobiography, My Side, in The Sun newspaper, revealed.
In February 2003, Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup at home and were also looking like they were going to miss out on the Premiership title.
Following the loss, Ferguson allegedly blamed Beckham for one of the goals, prompting a dressing room bust-up between the pair.
Beckham said: "I felt like I was being bullied in public, and being backed into a corner for no reason other than spite."
Recalling his reaction when hit by the boot, Beckham said: "I went for the gaffer. I don't know if I have ever lost control like that in my life before."
Former team-mates Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Ruud van Nistelrooy restrained the blond-haired soccer icon, who likened the scenes to something from a gangster movie.
Ferguson apologised for the incident shortly afterwards.
The team eventually went on to overhaul Arsenal's Premiership lead and win the title, but Beckham was still sold to Real Madrid.
Previous excerpts from the book revealed how Beckham and Ferguson's relationship had soured over the last two years.
Beckham has since enjoyed a fairytale start to his Real career, scoring two goals in a week for his new club.
Choose another story...Blues finally wrap up deal for France star MakeleleHoddle uses French polish to lure DalmatWenger questioned Arsenal's credentialsBarry set to break England U-21 recordViduka still not for sale - LeedsWe responded to challenge - KeownBoss hails hard-working BeattieArsenal move clear as United are stunned by SaintsFerdinand handed England callGers leave it late to regain top spot
Beckham was restrained by team-mates as he lost control after being hit by the flying boot following defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal, the serialisation of his autobiography, My Side, in The Sun newspaper, revealed.
In February 2003, Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup at home and were also looking like they were going to miss out on the Premiership title.
Following the loss, Ferguson allegedly blamed Beckham for one of the goals, prompting a dressing room bust-up between the pair.
Beckham said: "I felt like I was being bullied in public, and being backed into a corner for no reason other than spite."
Recalling his reaction when hit by the boot, Beckham said: "I went for the gaffer. I don't know if I have ever lost control like that in my life before."
Former team-mates Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Ruud van Nistelrooy restrained the blond-haired soccer icon, who likened the scenes to something from a gangster movie.
Ferguson apologised for the incident shortly afterwards.
The team eventually went on to overhaul Arsenal's Premiership lead and win the title, but Beckham was still sold to Real Madrid.
Previous excerpts from the book revealed how Beckham and Ferguson's relationship had soured over the last two years.
Beckham has since enjoyed a fairytale start to his Real career, scoring two goals in a week for his new club.
Choose another story...Blues finally wrap up deal for France star MakeleleHoddle uses French polish to lure DalmatWenger questioned Arsenal's credentialsBarry set to break England U-21 recordViduka still not for sale - LeedsWe responded to challenge - KeownBoss hails hard-working BeattieArsenal move clear as United are stunned by SaintsFerdinand handed England callGers leave it late to regain top spot
