Source: Daily_Mail
David Beckham: Alex Ferguson's hairdryer is secret to his success
David Beckham says the secret to Sir Alex Ferguson's staggering success over his 25 years at Manchester United has been to make players fear his infamous 'hairdryer' treatment. [LNB] Ferguson's dressing-room explosions of rage are the stuff of United legend and Beckham himself was on the receiving end of perhaps Fergie's most infamous temper tantrum of all.[LNB] In February 2003 the Red Devils boss kicked a football boot in anger that struck Beckham in the face, and the England midfielder wore the wounds in a very public falling-out between the club's two most high profile figures at the time. [LNB] Still going strong: Sir Alex Ferguson in Manchester United training on Friday[LNB]Despite Ferguson having nurtured Beckham to superstardom, Old Trafford was no longer big enough for the both of them and the midfielder was soon moved on to Real Madrid. [LNB]But Beckham says that the bust-up is long-forgotten and that there are 'no hard feelings' between the old friends. [LNB]And the England legend, still going strong in the MLS with LA Galaxy at the age of 36, admits that it was the dressings down Ferguson handed out to his players after a poor performance that kept them all on their toes and desperate to please their boss.[LNB] 'The fear of getting the hairdryer was the reason why we all played so well,' he said. 'He was a manager you wanted to do well for. [LNB] 'It's not enough just to be a great player when you want to play for him. He puts you in the side because he has confidence in you as a player and because you have character. [LNB] American dad: David Beckham is still playing in the MLS aged 36[LNB] 'That's exactly how he was and that's exactly how he still is. That's how he has been over the years and that's why he's been so successful.' [LNB]He added: 'He wanted to kill me at times, I'm sure. But he was a father figure to me and he was also the man who gave me the chance of playing for my dream club.[LNB] 'There are no hard feelings from me about the boot in the face thing. It was forgotten straight away, within the club and within the team.' [LNB] He continued: 'It was a bit icy the first time I came back with Real Madrid. But that went very quickly. There is a lot of warmth between us now.[LNB] 'I have got a huge amount of respect for him and what he did over the years and the chance he gave me and all my friends in that great United youth team to play for Manchester United. It was a real dream for all of us.'[LNB] Putting the boot in: Beckham shows off his wounds from the flying football boot kicked by Ferguson in 2003... and he was soon shipped out to Real Madrid[LNB] [LNB]Beckham also spoke warmly of the day he signed for United as a youngster, admitting that day was still his most treasured memory of Ferguson. [LNB] 'My favourite memory of Sir Alex isn't anything to do with winning the Champions League or any of the league titles I won with United - it's the day I signed for him,' said Beckham.[LNB] 'I have still got the picture in my house. It's one of my favourite pictures - me kind of leaning down signing the paper that was my first contract at United with him next to me. That is my best memory of Sir Alex.' [LNB] Ferguson is celebrating 25 years in charge at United this week, having taken charge of the club in November 1986, and has gone on to become British football's most successful boss, winning 12 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues among many other trophies. [LNB] Father figure: The pair share a laugh together in United training in 2001 [LNB]And Beckham says Ferguson's passion, determination, and uncompromising approach have ensured his remarkable success.[LNB] 'As a manager, he's got everything,' said Beckham. 'That's what is great about him. He has got the staying power that not many people have.[LNB] 'To have the passion that he has had over the years and to still have it at his age after having 25 years as manager of one club, that says it all.[LNB] 'You don't get the success that he has had without upsetting a few people along the way and he is not afraid to do that. He is old school but he has adapted when he has needed to at Manchester United. I am honoured to have played under him.' [LNB] Ferguson's 25 years at United: What made him the best club manager everThe changing seasons, 1986-2011: A year-by-year look at Fergie's United careerFergie's best team ever? Sportsmail lists Manchester United's perfect XI over 25 yearsFerguson's landmark matches in a glittering quarter of a century at Old TraffordFootball... bloody hell! Great Ferguson quotes from over the last 25 years1986-2011: Picture special of Fergie through the years...All the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinion[LNB]
