Twelve years on, the words still sting.
This week has been like the countdown to Christmas for Mark Bosnich, as he prepares to bring the magic and mayhem of the Premier League into Australian homes once again.
Over a 30 minute lunch chat with Wide World of Sports, Bozza peels off countless players’ names, management tactics and fearless season predictions while downing a wrap and a smoothie at typically breakneck pace.
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Mark Bosnich found the Jurgen Klopp interview hilarious. Stan
But one topic stops Aussie football’s force of nature in his tracks.
The trademark, maniacal laugh is gone and there’s a contemplative pause and sadness in the eyes.
How do you feel about ‘Fergie?’
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Mark Bosnich of Manchester United is watched by Alex Ferguson at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. Getty
Bosnich was singled out for harsh criticism by Sir Alex Ferguson in his 2013 autobiography, labelling his former Manchester United goalkeeper as a “terrible professional” and taking aim at his diet.
Bosnich sighs.
“The bottom line is this. He signed me twice, once as a youngster, and a second time. And did we fall out? Yes, unfortunately,” he says softly.
Mark Bosnich signs for Manchester United. Getty
A larger than life personality and genuine trailblazer for Aussie goalkeepers, Bosnich was first lured to Manchester by Ferguson as a 17-year-old prodigy in 1989.
So began a complicated relationship. The pair have not spoken since that 2013 book.
“Whether he likes it or not, he gave me my opportunity in English football and I’ll never forget that,” Bosnich says, perking up a bit.
The Manchester United squad line up for a photocall ahead of the 1999/2000 season. Getty
“And besides the rubbish he wants to put in his books, maybe to sell books or this, that and the other – the rubbish that comes up – I know the truth and so does he. And that’s maybe why he’s trying to distance himself from it by deflecting onto other things which are a load of bollocks.”
Bosnich’s second United stint was in 1999-2001, when the Red Devils ruled football – and popular culture.
What would Bosnich say to Ferguson if the legendary Scot was to cross his path on a busy North Sydney street?
Mark Bosnich of Manchester United marshalls his defence. Getty
Would he extend that friendly, meaty paw that stopped so many stinging shots across a 206 game Premier League career?
“I’m not one to bear grudges. Life’s too short,” the 53-year-old says.
“l’d say hello to him, yeah. But for whatever reason – and I’ve got an idea what the reason is – he’s just trying to protect himself, I understand that.”
Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, tells the referee to check his watch. Getty
Bosnich won’t elaborate on that mystery and eventually lavishes praise on arguably the greatest manager in world football history.
He’s not about to win a public slanging match with Fergie.
“He was a great manager, he won everything there was to win,” Bosnich says.
“And he signed me twice, he gave me my opportunity. I’ll forever be grateful for that. I went there as a young kid, saw the beginning, saw the bad times, and saw the beginning of something special and then came back in 1999 when it was special, they just won the treble.
“I was fortunate enough to play in the team that won the league by a record amount (18 points) until a couple of years ago when Man City beat it. It was wonderful.”
That team was insanely stacked.
Amongst others, Bosnich had the pleasure of watching Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Dwight Yorke, and the Neville brothers – Gary and Phil – strut their stuff on the grandest stages.
Captain Keane set a formidable tone – but a friendlier one that some may realise.
“It was a really good vibe that Roy led,” Bosnich recalls.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane celebrate a goal with David Beckham. Getty
“There’s no doubt Roy was an enforcer but he was a far better footballer and character than a lot of people give him credit for as well. Dwight Yorke became my best friend and Dennis Irwin was the most underrated player. It was great to be part of a team that was addicted to winning.”
How often did he stand in goal just thinking “f— this is good to watch?”
“Every game!” Boz roars, pounding the table and drawing bemused looks from a startled cafeteria.
Ryan Giggs shredding the defence. Getty
“There were times were I could have been one of those mannequins, just stood there! But we didn’t have it all our own way. Fergie used to always be pulling his hair out with the way we started games.
“But ‘Fergie time’ was real – we used to always finish very strongly. There was a deep commitment and genuine fitness that a lot of people tend to overlook. Of course skill is very, very important but we could also match the will of other teams. I found that impressive because when you’ve got so much talent, it’s very easy to automatically think you’re going to win.
“All the boys were willing to roll their sleeves up and get amongst it when they really had to, and to pull things out of the fire. There’s always egos in every dressing room and yes, there was a lot of people in there who had great belief and great auras.
Mark Bosnich and David Beckham of Manchester United by the pool in Rio de Janeiro. Getty
“You felt their presence and more importantly, you had a boss (Ferguson) who was looking for things to smack you down with. But it worked.”
And what about Becks? Surely there’s a bit of dirt on Golden Balls?
Nope, nothing but love for one of the game’s genuine good guys.
David Beckham. Getty
“Exceptional man, exceptional player,” Bosnich says,
“I don’t think people in England give him quite the credit for how good of a player he was. Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain don’t come in for you if you’re not a top notch player. He’s an exceptional man who has always got time for people, no matter what. And it’s wonderful to see his success with Inter Miami as a football owner now.
“It couldn’t happen to a nicer chap.”
David Beckham of Man Utd scores the third goal from a free kick. Getty
So what about the current mob?
Like any United fan around the world, Bosnich has been wildly frustrated by the club’s drastic, and sustained, post-Ferguson freefall.
And things hit rock bottom last season under Ruben Amorim.
Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham and Ruben Amorim of Manchester United embrace at fulltime. Getty
United finished 15th of 20 teams – the club’s lowest league position since relegation in 1973-74.
They even lost the Europa League final to Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.
“It’s gotten to a point where it’s like, OK, everyone’s had their laugh,” Bosnich says.
Bruno Fernandes of and Mason Mount of Manchester United look dejected. Getty
“But I actually think it’s better for the league, worldwide, if Manchester United do well. I admire Ruben greatly. He would have got the shock of his life coming to United because he was flying with Sporting (Lisbon).
“He’s survived the storm and now you can see some good times coming. They are on the way back to being serious title contenders, which I believe that they will be within three seasons.”
Bozza the optimist is back.
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