The Man United career that began with Rio Ferdinand calling him wrong name and ended with five minute Sir Alex Ferguson chat

Sir Alex Ferguson knew, Ben Foster knew. This was the parting of ways.

The England international had been at Manchester United for five years but had played three times as many games for Watford than the Reds. Two loan spells at Vicarage Road had given the goalkeeper a taste of first team football and at 27 it was time to strike out.

A deal had been agreed with Birmingham City and Fergie and Foster had a five minute conversation that confirmed the inevitable.

ALSO READ: "I was ****ting myself!" - how Foster's first Wrexham spell caught the eye of United

"I got called into the manager's office, I was proper nervous," said Foster of leaving Old Trafford. "I sat down and he said 'I don't think it has really worked out for you has it? We have agreed a deal with Birmimgham for you to sign for them permanently and be the first choice goalkeeper, what do you think?'"

Foster wanted the move, wanted regular football and wanted to be nearer his family in the Midlands. He completed a £6million switch and subsequently played for West Brom and Watford before being tempted out of retirement last month by National League side Wrexham.

It was with the Dragons where he first caught United's attention. He was on loan at the Racecourse from Stoke City and among his team-mates was Darren Ferguson, son of the United boss. Wrexham reached the final of the Football League Trophy, winning 2-0 against Southend United after extra time. Sir Alex was in the crowd and, suitably impressed, struck a deal with the Potters that took the then 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

Foster took his family out for a Chinese meal in his hometown to celebrate, but had to ask the bank to extend an overdraft until his United signing on fee arrived. He was