Sir Alex Ferguson is known for commanding authority on the touchline, but for photographer Magi Haroun, one unexpected moment offered a rare seat beside football royalty.
Haroun recalls being invited to sit in the Manchester United dugout during a European match after being caught in heavy rain. Faced with the choice of staying soaked for a shot or taking a dry seat next to Ferguson and his assistant Brian Kidd, she accepted the invitation, camera still in hand. For Haroun, unusual situations were part of the job.
As one of the first female photographers to receive Premier League accreditation, Haroun often found herself navigating spaces rarely occupied by women at the time. She built her reputation by gaining access others could not, documenting football from perspectives that added depth beyond the pitch action.
Her career has been defined by moments of intensity. Haroun has spoken openly about being knocked unconscious while working and even being arrested in the course of pursuing images. Despite the risks, she continued, driven by commitment to her craft and belief in the importance of visual storytelling in sport.
While she is best known for letting her photographs speak, Haroun has reflected on these experiences as part of a wider story about perseverance in a male dominated industry. Encounters with figures like Ferguson highlighted not just football culture, but the respect earned through professionalism.
The image of Ferguson holding the Premier League trophy remains one of her most recognisable works. Behind it lies a career marked by resilience, courage, and moments that placed her at the heart of football history, sometimes quite literally on the bench.
