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Imagine receiving an invitation to sit beside Sir Alex Ferguson in the Manchester United dugout during a pivotal European match. What would you do?

To photographer Magi Haroun, this became a reality on a storm-lashed night in Moscow in 1992. Soaked from the sideways rain, she was presented with an unlikely decision: a perfect yet wet shooting position or a spot in the stands flanked by Ferguson and his right-hand man Brian Kidd.

As the first female photographer to gain top-division accreditation, remarkable situations were par for the course. She opted for the dugout.

'Come and Sit Between Kiddo and Me'

After a goalless first leg in Manchester, the second match in Russia was just as chaotic as the conditions. Haroun describes witnessing rain like it. Her equipment was soaking, and her cameras were likely to fail of failing.

Noticed by Ferguson in the second half, he asked, "You must be a bit wet?" before telling her to "Come between Kiddo and myself." She passed the remainder of the match there, though she would have preferred behind the goal for better shots.

After another 0-0 draw, United were defeated on penalties. Centre-back Gary Pallister, who failed to convert the final kick, was seen crying into his shirt. Looking towards the dugout, he presented Haroun with a potential front-page photograph.

With her flash ready, she knew Ferguson would be furious. As expected, the manager glared at her and declared, "Do that, I'll never speak to you again!"

'I Was Picked On Because I'm a Woman'

Regardless of her deep family ties to Manchester United—with relatives having served as chairmen—Haroun's path as a woman in a male-dominated field was far from easy.

She found it tough to be respected and believed she was often "picked on" by security and police as the "easiest target." The discrimination even led to an arrest at a fiery Leeds vs. Manchester United match, where fan trouble broke out.

"I was the one that got arrested because I'm the weakest link, I'm a woman," she stated.

Try to Run the Wright Way

Proximity to the action came with very real risks. Haroun was once "knocked out" by rocks thrown by supporters at an English club match in Turkey.

The hazard also came from the players themselves. Shots from legends like Wayne Rooney and Denis Irwin also left her dazed. On one such occasion, Bryan Robson reportedly joked, "If you're going to kill a photographer, Denis, make sure it's not the chairman's cousin!"

Yet, players could also be helpful. Prior to an Arsenal match, she asked iconic striker Ian Wright to celebrate her if he scored. He did find the net, but initially ran the wrong way.

Fortunately, Wright realised, stopped, turned back, and ran towards her with arms outstretched, allowing for the "perfect picture" she had envisioned.

A Feline Named Carrington

Beyond football, Haroun is a known feline enthusiast. Her family of multiple cats once grew thanks to an unexpected call from the receptionist at Manchester United's Carrington training ground.

Told of an abandoned cat, Haroun was hesitant—she was caring for 23 at the time. But, a recognisable Scottish voice took the phone and instructed her: "Magi, take the cat!"

Following Sir Alex Ferguson's directive, she took in the cat and named her Carrington.