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Imagine being invited to take a seat next to Sir Alex Ferguson in the United dugout during a pivotal European match. How would you react?

To photographer Magi Haroun, this wasn't a hypothetical on a storm-lashed night in Moscow in 1992. Soaked from the sideways rain, she was presented with an extraordinary choice: a perfect yet wet vantage point or a spot in the stands between Ferguson and his right-hand man Brian Kidd.

As the first female photographer to gain Premier League accreditation, remarkable situations were par for the course. She opted for the dugout.

'Take a Seat Next to Us'

Following a goalless first leg in Manchester, the second match in Russia was just as chaotic as the conditions. Haroun describes never seeing rain like it. Her equipment was soaking, and her cameras were on the verge 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 spent the remainder of the match there, though she admitted she'd rather be behind the goal for superior shots.

After a second 0-0 draw, United lost on penalties. Centre-back Gary Pallister, who failed to convert the final kick, was seen sobbing into his shirt. Facing the dugout, he presented Haroun with a perfect front-page photograph.

With her flash ready, she knew Ferguson would be furious. As expected, the manager looked at her and warned, "If you take that picture, 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—including family members having served as chairmen—Haroun's journey as a woman in a male-dominated field was not always easy.

She struggled to be respected and believed she was frequently "singled out" by stewards and police as the "easiest target." This even led to an incident at a volatile Leeds vs. Manchester United match, where fan trouble erupted.

"It was me that got arrested because they saw me as the weakest link, I'm a woman," she stated.

Remembering the Wright Way

Being close to the action came with physical risks. Haroun was once "rendered unconscious" by rocks thrown by supporters at an Aston Villa match in Turkey.

The hazard wasn't limited to the players themselves. Shots from legends like Wayne Rooney and Denis Irwin also sent her sprawling. On one such occasion, Bryan Robson allegedly quipped, "Pick a different target, Denis, make sure it's not the chairman's cousin!"

However, players could also be helpful. Prior to an Arsenal match, she asked iconic striker Ian Wright to run towards her if he scored. He scored, but initially ran the opposite way.

To her relief, Wright realised, stopped, turned back, and charged towards her with arms outstretched, creating the "ideal picture" she had hoped for.

A Cat Named Carrington

Away from football, Haroun is a dedicated feline enthusiast. Her family of multiple cats on one occasion grew thanks to an surprise call from the receptionist at Manchester United's Carrington training ground.

Informed of an abandoned cat, Haroun was hesitant—she already had 23 at the time. But, a recognisable Scottish voice came on the line and instructed her: "Magi, take the cat!"

Heeding Sir Alex Ferguson's command, she took in the cat and christened her Carrington.