Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography stirred up controversy when he labeled Australian footballer Mark Bosnich as a "terrible professional" due to his off-field antics. Recently, talk show host Jeff Stelling shared an anecdote about the heated row on the Football's Greatest podcast. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented goalkeepers of his generation, Bosnich's undisciplined lifestyle and controversial off-field activities ultimately affected his career with the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Criticism of Mark Bosnich
Background
Mark Bosnich, an Australian goalkeeper, joined Manchester United in 1999 from Aston Villa. He arrived with a reputation as one of the most talented goalkeepers of his generation and was expected to challenge Peter Schmeichel for the starting position. However, Bosnich's off-field behavior quickly became a concern for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Controversial Autobiography
In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson labeled Bosnich a "terrible professional" due to his "late nights, drinking and gambling." The former Manchester United boss also revealed that he had attempted to help Bosnich overcome his off-field issues, but without success.
Jeff Stelling's Anecdote
Talk show host Jeff Stelling, who worked with Ferguson on Sky Sports' "Monday Night Football," shared an anecdote on the Football's Greatest podcast about a heated row between Ferguson and Bosnich. Stelling claimed that Ferguson had confronted Bosnich about his lifestyle, accusing him of being "out of control." Bosnich reportedly responded by "telling Ferguson where to go."
Impact on Career
Bosnich's off-field issues ultimately affected his career at Manchester United. Despite being a talented goalkeeper, he was never able to consistently perform at his best. He was released from the club in 2001 after just two seasons, having made only 29 appearances.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: Why did Sir Alex Ferguson criticize Mark Bosnich? A: Ferguson accused Bosnich of being a "terrible professional" due to his late nights, drinking, and gambling.
Q: What was Jeff Stelling's anecdote about? A: Stelling claimed that Ferguson had confronted Bosnich about his lifestyle, resulting in a heated row.
Q: Did Bosnich's off-field behavior affect his career at Manchester United? A: Yes, Bosnich's off-field issues contributed to his inconsistent performances and eventual release from the club.
Q: Is Bosnich still playing professional football? A: No, Bosnich retired from professional football in 2009.
Q: What is Bosnich doing now? A: Bosnich currently works as a football pundit for Fox Sports Australia and the BBC.
Pratika Rawal creates history as she scores her maiden ODI hundred, a brilliant 154 off 129 balls, helping India reach a mammoth total of 400 for the first time in women's ODI cricket. The swashbuckling knock, featuring 20 fours and one six, powered India to a comfortable victory against Ireland in the third ODI. Rawal's heroics contribute to India's dominating display and further strengthen their position in the series.
In a dominating performance against Ireland, India's Smriti Mandhana smashed a 70-ball ton - the fastest by an Indian women's batter in ODI cricket. Her explosive knock of 135 runs off 80 balls included 12 boundaries and 7 sixes, propelling India to their highest-ever ODI total of 370/5. This marks Mandhana's 10th ODI century, making her the first Indian woman and third opener overall to have 10 50-over tons in her career. Her exceptional performance in 2024 earned her a nomination for the prestigious ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year award.
After a run of poor results, defending Premier League champions Man City are back on form with three consecutive victories. They will now face Brentford, a team struggling with three recent home defeats. With star striker Erling Haaland seemingly at his best, Man City will look to take advantage of Brentford's dip in form and continue their climb up the EPL table. Don't miss a moment of this highly anticipated match and follow our guide for how to watch it from anywhere.
When Arsenal reportedly completed the surprise signing of long-term Liverpool midfield target Martin Zubimendi, it reignited the bad-blood between the two clubs. However, this is not the first time that the Gunners and the Reds have engaged in a bitter transfer battle. They previously battled over Liverpool star forward Luis Suarez, resulting in an infamous anti-Arsenal clause being inserted into one of the player's contracts.
In a chaotic match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was seen both erupting in anger at his team's mistakes and embracing his players with fierce intensity. The game was marked by a rollercoaster of emotions for Guardiola, as it was played just hours after news of his split with his wife surfaced. Despite Phil Foden's brace, the team could only manage a draw against Brentford, with Guardiola's frustration boiling over and a wild finish to the game.
Led by the impressive performance of substitute Jota, Liverpool drew a thrilling match against Forest. Meanwhile, Brentford showed resilience by fighting back from being down two goals to earn a draw against Manchester City. On the other hand, Chelsea's James scored a last-minute equaliser, securing a vital point for his team. These exciting results highlight the competitiveness and unpredictability of the Premier League.
After a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, Liverpool fans are urging their club to make a move for defender Murillo, who put on a top performance against the Reds. Despite falling behind early in the match, a combination from substitutes Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota helped Liverpool secure a point against an unbeaten Forest side. However, it was Murillo's exceptional defensive display, including 18 clearances and four tackles, that caught the attention of Liverpool fans and has sparked calls for his signature.
Liverpool are reportedly in negotiations with Bundesliga 2 side FC Nurnberg for a summer transfer of Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas. Nurnberg currently have an obligation to sign Tzimas permanently for £15m, but are willing to sell him for £20m in the same window. In addition, Liverpool could potentially use Championship loanee Ben Doak as part of a deal to try and sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who has been valued at £50m by the Cherries. However, Tzimas' form has also caught the attention of other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Brighton, and Aston Villa. Stay updated with the latest news and transfer updates on Liverpool FC through our live blog below.
Manchester City's Phil Foden admits that fatigue was a major factor in their disappointing draw against Brentford, after they were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead. The team's fitness levels were questioned as they struggled to contain the opposition's attacks, resulting in a late equalizer. Foden also addresses the team's upcoming busy schedule and emphasizes the importance of learning from their mistakes moving forward.
Substitute Diogo Jota's header in the second half helped Liverpool secure a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, keeping them six points clear at the top of the Premier League standings. High-flying Forest, who have exceeded expectations this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last year, took an early lead through Chris Wood. However, Liverpool managed to come back and earn a hard-fought draw, showing their resilience and determination to maintain their lead at the top of the table.