Ignoring the hype surrounding Beckham's return to Old Trafford, Ferguson expects star medio to be benched in milan match tonight

Ferguson expects Beckham to be benched in Milan game

Ignoring the hype surrounding Beckham's return to Old Trafford, Ferguson expects star medio to be benched in milan match tonight

David Beckham and his then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson look in different directions during their Premiership match against Tottenham Hotspur played in 2003 in London. PIC/Getty Images

Beckham flew into Manchester this lunchtime to the usual overwhelming greeting, covered live on TV no less, with fans eager to get autographs and photographs of England's footballing icon.

What Beckham really craves, though, is the chance to play today, and face his former club at Old Trafford for the first time since leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.

Yet if it happens, Ferguson does not believe it will be from the kick-off.

In trying to ignore what he feels is the circus that surrounds Beckham, his analysis of the Milan side aiming to become the first to beat United in a two-legged tie having lost the opening game on home soil does not include the former England skipper.

"I am finding it difficult to pick their team but I don't know whether Beckham will start," said Ferguson.

"I have not got that down in my conclusions about their team.

"He has not started a game since the first leg, so it is difficult to say what impact he will have on the game.

"But he will be there and the one thing you have to be aware of is his delivery of the ball, which is fantastic.

Threat
"That is the threat. There are a lot of threats in their team of course, but we are well aware of David's."

Although he has made one, non-playing, visit for a charity match since his high-profile exit, Beckham's last appearance at Old Trafford for a game involving United was a goalscoring contribution to a home win over Charlton in May 2003.

Ferguson, however, regards the victory at the San Siro as particularly significant. "Without doubt it was a landmark victory for us," he said.

"Historically you are playing one of the best teams of all time in Europe.
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"You couldn't come away without thinking the psychological boost of going there and winning was a really important."

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