Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson criticizes David Beckham in his new autobiography

Soccer • Alex Ferguson criticizes David Beckham's preoccupation with fame in his new autobiography.

At Manchester United, Ferguson developed Beckham into one of the world's most recognizable athletes. But the midfielder left United in 2003 for Real Madrid under a cloud after his relationship with the manager broke down.

"David was the only player I managed who chose to be famous, who made it his mission to be known outside the game," Ferguson writes in the book, which will be released Thursday. "I felt uncomfortable with the celebrity aspect of his life."

By moving to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 after four years at Madrid, Ferguson said, Beckham "surrendered a part of his career."

During the 2002-03 season, Ferguson was concerned that Beckham's "application level had dropped" and his "work-rate was dropping."

There was no turning back after a February 2003 match against Arsenal. Ferguson was unhappy that Beckham neglected to track back when Arsenal scored its second goal in a 2-0 win.

Funding OK'd for new MLS stadium

Soccer • County commissioners on Tuesday approved $20 million in tourism taxes to be used toward the funding of an $84 million downtown Orlando Major League Soccer stadium, clearing the last hurdle for the city to be the home of the league's next expansion franchise.

MLS president Mark Abbott said after the vote that the league looks forward to working with the Orlando ownership.

From wire reports