Ferguson: Beckham too focused on fame

Alex Ferguson criticizes David Beckham’s preoccupation with fame in his new autobiography.

At Manchester United, Ferguson developed Beckham into one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. But the midfielder left United in 2003 for Real Madrid under a cloud after his relationship with the manager broke down.

“David was the only player I managed who chose to be famous, who made it his mission to be known outside the game,” Ferguson writes in the book, which will be released today. “I felt uncomfortable with the celebrity aspect of his life.”

By moving to the Los Angeles Galaxy team in 2007 after four years at Madrid, Ferguson said Beckham “surrendered a part of his career.”

During the 2002-3 season, Ferguson was concerned that Beckham’s “application level had dropped” and his “work rate was dropping.”

There was no turning back after a February 2003 match against Arsenal. Ferguson was angry that Beckham neglected to track back when Arsenal scored its second goal in a 2-0 win.

“As usual, with David at that time, he was dismissive of my criticism,” Ferguson wrote. AP