Diego Forlán was kicked out of Manchester United because he refused to wear the studs manager Sir Alex Ferguson demanded, according to the Atletico Madrid striker. The Uruguayan, regarded as a cult figure amongst fans for the two goals he scored against Liverpool at Anfield in 2002, scored just 17 goals in 98 games for United. He departed for Villareal in 2004.
“Ferguson wanted me to play with high studs, the interchangeable ones that suit wet pitches, but I feel more comfortable in low ones.” Forlán told the official Champions League magazine.
“I agreed to change boots, but I didn’t. Against Chelsea, I slipped in front of goal and wasted a chance.
“Afterwards, I rushed to the dressing room to change boots. Ferguson caught me. He grabbed the boots and threw them. That was my last game for United.”
In February 2003, Fergie famously kicked a boot across the dressing room at David Beckham, injuring the midfielder above his left eye. United had lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
Forlán has become one of Europe’s leading strikers, winning the Golden Boot last season and scoring 48 goals in 68 La Liga games for Atlético.