Day Fergie stuck boot in on Becks

Shocked Silvestre still a huge fan of Sir Alex

- GIDEON BROOKS

MIKAEL SILVESTRE vividly remembers the moment when Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham had to be separated after the ‘flying boot’ incident.

But the ex-Manchester United defender insists suggestions that Fergie ruled Old Trafford with fear and with his ‘hairdryer’ on near constant full blast have been exaggerated.

Silvestre, 42, witnessed the incident after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in 2003, with the fiery Scot kicking a boot which cut Beckham’s eyebrow.

The Frenchman said: “Everyone was shocked but things like this happen in dressing rooms.

“It was a random kick by the boss – it was just unfortunate that the boot went straight into Beckham’s face!