Ryan Giggs has disclosed that Manchester United decided to sell David Beckham in 2003 because the midfielder was 'arguing every other week' and the situation 'was getting too much.' The former United winger made the comments on beIN Sports, shedding light on the breakdown of Beckham's relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The tension culminated after a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in February 2003, when Ferguson kicked a boot in the dressing room that struck Beckham above the eye, leaving a cut that required stitches. Beckham arrived for training the next day wearing a plaster, and the incident became public.
Giggs explained that the feud had been simmering for some time, and the sale was best for all parties. 'The likes of David Beckham it was getting too much, where he was arguing every other week and it was just time for both parties to move,' Giggs said.
Ferguson later wrote in his autobiography that Beckham's work-rate had dropped and that he had heard rumours of 'flirtation' with Real Madrid. Beckham was sold to the Spanish club that summer for £25 million, ending his 11-year spell at Old Trafford.
