The recently-retired Scholes refused to travel to London for the game against Arsenal in 2001, and counts himself lucky that he was not hastily shipped out, a fate suffered by many others who defied Ferguson.
GEAR:Save 10% on new Man United home and away kits. Free delivery on orders over £50
Scholes was peeved at being part of what he considered to be a second-string United side, a point eventually proved as Arsenal ran out 4-0 winners.
“I don't know why I did what I did in 2001, but it is something I really regretted doing," he said.
"I wasn't in a great mood. I had been left out the Liverpool game the previous weekend and I knew that the team going down to Arsenal in the cup was basically a reserve side.
“I just got a bee in my bonnet that I wasn't happy with things. I had my reasons but it was stupid really.”
Fortunately, Scholes was only fined and forced to apologise and went on to enjoy a glittering career at Old Trafford.
Not so lucky were former stars Jaap Stam and David Beckham among others, who were sold to Lazio and Real Madrid respectively after incurring the wrath of the fiery Ferguson.
By Chris Matthews
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack
