Sir Alex Ferguson's Lack of Bravery Taunted by Mark Bosnich

Sir Alex Ferguson came out swinging in My Autobiography, his recently released book, but it seems former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich isn't willing to let his old boss’ comments die down without a fight.

Ferguson claimed Bosnich was a "terrible professional" in his post-retirement release. The former Old Trafford goalkeeper doubts Fergie will meet up with him to discuss the allegations, though, as reported by Fox Sports (via Declan Warrington of the Daily Mail):

I will see him, if he wants to come down and see me. Apparently he might come (to Australia) for the Melbourne Cup.

Two people, if they want to meet, have got to both want to meet. But knowing Sir Alex, bravery is not one of his greatest traits, so he might not want to meet. But I'd like to say to him (how I feel) face-to-face ... because we're all entitled to a right of reply.

Bosnich’s willingness to question Ferguson’s bravery is unlikely to trouble the 71-year-old too seriously.

The Scottish icon continually dropped Bosnich during the 1999-00 season as he failed to quickly replace the outgoing talent of Peter Schmeichel.

While Edwin van der Sar eventually filled the Great Dane’s void, Bosnich’s consistent failures signalled an era that would see the likes of Massimo Taibi, Andy Goram and Fabien Barthez slump between the Old Trafford sticks.

The Australian joined Chelsea on a free transfer from United in 2001, but was sacked in 2002 when he tested positive for cocaine, per John Ley of the Daily Telegraph.

As highlighted in Bosnich’s personal interview in The Guardian in 2004, published by Nick Greenslade, the man from Fairfield has a tendency of blaming others for mistakes that ruined his career.

Ferguson’s book is noticeably combative and Bosnich’s hot-headed response summarises why these two characters could never thrive together in a professional environment.

United's retired boss has received plenty of criticism from former players and competitors for his latest release.

Roy Keane challenged his old mentor’s loyalty after receiving a grilling in the text, per David Hytner of The Guardian. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers suggested there is a "sadness" to Ferguson’s damning assessment of Liverpool midfielders Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, detailed by Paul Joyce of the Express.

Never far from the headlines during his Old Trafford tenure, Ferguson's latest claims are representative of an individual whose legacy was built around speaking frankly, even when it meant upsetting those within the game.

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