Former United Shot Stopper Will Confront Ferguson After Scathing Criticism

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich plans to confront Sir Alex Ferguson after his former manager aimed particularly unforgiving criticism at him in his autobiography.

The former Australia international was Ferguson's initial attempt to fill the void left by the long serving Peter Schmeichel in 1999 following the Dane's retirement, but proved to be the first in a long list of unsuccessful replacements.

Bosnich was usurped by Fabien Barthez after a largely disappointing season and Ferguson has since revealed the extent of his discontent with his former player, describing the ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper as a "terrible professional."

"We played down in Wimbledon and Bosnich was tucking into everything: sandwiches, soups, steaks. He was going through the menu," Ferguson wrote in his book.

"I told him, 'For Christ's sake, Mark, we've got to get that weight off you. Why are you tucking into all that stuff?"

Bosnich, now a TV pundit in his homeland, has since responded to his former manager's comments, claiming he is eager to confront the Scot over the criticism should they cross paths at the Melbourne Cup later this year.

"I'm going to tell him straight to his face and I'll; ask him to repeat (his criticism) and then I will tell him exactly what I want to say and you guys can all read about it, like you read his book," Bosnich told talkSPORT.

"The bottom line is I was the only player in his tenure at Manchester United that he signed twice. During my second spell we won the title as champions by a record 18 points and we became the first British team to win the World Club Championship.

"My time at Manchester United as a kid and then second time around was one of the most special and interesting times of my life.

"He is entitled to his opinion, but I don't think I would have reached the heights of my career if that (being a terrible professional) was the case."

Ferguson's book has swiftly dominated the news agenda amid other comment and criticism aimed towards former players such as Roy Keane, David Beckham and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, in addition to the revelation he turned down the England manager's job twice.