Ben Foster had the world in his hands as Manchester United's next number one goalkeeper but he ruined those chances after messing up in a dramatic Manchester derby, something Sir Alex Ferguson made sure he knew.
Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has had a pretty good career. The 37-year-old has played in the Premier League for a number of years with Manchester United, Watford, Birmingham, West Brom and now back at the Hornets.
Much earlier in his career, Foster was expected to be the next big thing and Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to Manchester United for just £1 million after seeing his on loan at Wrexham from Stoke City.
He was sent on loan to Watford for two seasons but soon returned to United and given the chance to battle for the gloves with Edwin van der Saar.
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When the legendary Dutchman was injured at the beginning of the 2009/10 season the Englishman was given the chance to cement himself as the number one and played against Manchester City.
That derby was the notorious 4-3 win for United, thanks to Michael Owen's injury time winner, but the keeper made mistakes for City's opener and equaliser at 3-3 and, speaking to Daily Mail, he revealed that Fergie made sure he knew the mistakes weren't tolerated:
"That was the end of my career there, really. The manager has absolutely gone at me, so I knew then I wasn't playing again. That was horrible.
"It was a few four-letter words. 'That's you. You're done'. Then there is some more and you are like, 'Oh s***, it's still coming'.
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"I was not great at dealing with that back then and it was horrible but then you learn from it and realise it's brilliant."
The former England international went on to explain it wasn't the biggest personal hairdryer treatment he received, adding, "That wasn't even the worst b********* I got from Fergie, by the way. I took a penalty in a shoot-out on a pre-season tour to South Africa and I missed it. He went mental about that!"
After six seasons with West Brom the former England international was relegated with the Baggies in 2018. He then moved back to Watford, and has been one of their best performers ever since.
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Things could have been a lot different for Foster if it weren't for those mistakes but then we wouldn't have such a classic match to remember.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Ben Foster, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson