Fergie gives Becks backing

Former boss approves AC loan move

Last updated: 7th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie gives Becks backing

Beckham: Fergie backing

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he could not imagine England leaving for the World Cup in South Africa without midfielder David Beckham in the squad.

Ferguson is preparing to face his former protégé in the UEFA Champions League a week on Tuesday for the clash against AC Milan, where Beckham is plying his trade on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy.

The 34-year-old hopes playing regularly in Serie A will book him a place in the 23-man party for the finals in June, and his former boss said Beckham should figure in Fabio Capello's plans because of his experience.

Ferguson, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid for £25million in 2003, watched the midfielder in his side's 2-0 defeat to Milan rivals Inter last month.

And despite a quiet performance from the former United man, Ferguson said Beckham's unprecedented set-piece abilities also made him indispensible to the England cause.

He told The People: "'No-one has a better delivery of the ball, and at set pieces in particular, than David Beckham and I would imagine he'll be there at the World Cup with England.

"I can't see Capello not taking him because David has so much experience. He has shown his desire to play at the top, he's shown that by going back to Milan and that's the key to it.

High status

"David wanted to get back into European football so I'm not surprised AC Milan took him. It shows you his status is still high."

Capello also acknowledged the benefits to Beckham's loan move, given he always insisted that World Cup hopefuls must be playing at the top level to be considered for his squad.

The switch from LA Galaxy caused controversy in the States, but the England manager said making the move was a good for the veteran.

''I saw Beckham for AC Milan against Genoa recently and he was good," the Italian said.

"I know Milan lost against Inter in the recent derby game but, despite that, being in Milan is good for him and his game.

"He knows the club and the players very well now and he knows how they work so it is good for him to be in Milan. He knows the city and he is comfortable there."

Ferguson has been casting his eye over Leonardo's Milan side ahead of the round of 16 knockout clash, and will travel to Italy to witness their match against Udinese on Friday.

The Red Devils manager has enjoyed extended preparation for the mouth-watering encounter after his side's shock FA Cup loss to bitter rivals and League Out outfit Leeds last month.

That leaves a blank Saturday prior to the first leg at the San Siro, before the return date at Old Trafford on 10th March.

Beckham spent a decade at the club he supported as a boy, and Ferguson expects the former United star to receive a welcome reception when he makes his return.

"I think he will get a good reception and he deserves that," he added. "All our great players who have served us well get a great reception and David was terrific for us and he deserves to be recognised by our fans for that."

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