Fergie wary of Becks threat

Ferguson: Beckham warning

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits David Beckham's crossing ability may cause his side problems in their UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan on Wednesday, but is unsure as to whether he will make the starting line-up.

Milan travel to Old Trafford looking to overturn a 3-2 deficit inflicted by United at the San Siro in the first leg of their last-16 encounter, with former United midfielder Beckham making his first return to the club he left in 2003 for Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old started the initial meeting between the two sides, setting up Ronaldinho for the opening goal of the match before being substituted in the 72nd minute.

The assist provided a timely reminder of the danger posed by the Los Angeles Galaxy loanee, and his former manager is under no illusions as to the damage Beckham could cause to the Red Devils' hopes of making the quarter-finals.

But despite his warning, Ferguson expressed doubts as to whether the England international would make the first XI against his side.

Threat

He said: "David's strength has always been his crosses and if he plays tomorrow that will be the threat against us, and his set piece play.

"But I don't know if he will start. I've not got that down in my conclusions of the Milan team.

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

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

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

Beckham spent 10 successful years with United before his £25m move to Madrid, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League crown.

His contribution to the club's glittering success earned him a place in Manchester folklore and his first time back at his former employers is likely to be met with a warm reception from the United fans.

Paul Scholes - who bagged his 100th Premier League goal for United in the 1-0 win over Wolves - believes his former colleague will be welcomed by the crowd, who he believes will recognise the contribution made by Beckham.

And he too was keen to point out the former England captain's passing provided a potential threat.

"United fans love him for what he did for this club and he will get a fantastic ovation," said Scholes. "He will need to be watched though.

"If you give him time and room on the ball there is no doubt he will pick players out. From free-kicks as well, his delivery is as great as ever."

Landmark victory

Wayne Rooney nodded in two vital goals to help put his side in control of the tie going into the return leg, and seeing off Milan again would continue United's push for a treble-winning season.

Ferguson's men have struggled with injury problems throughout the campaign but are well-poised to win both the Premier League and European titles after their Carling Cup success.

Victory in Italy nearly three weeks ago was a turning point in his side's campaign according to the Manchester chief, although he refused to underestimate the difficulty posed by Leonardo's men.

And while supporter disquiet over the controversial ownership of the club has threatened to overshadow what could be another trophy-laden year, the 68-year-old believes the fans will be backing his side to book a spot in the final eight.

He went on: "That was a landmark victory for us and it was a psychological thing winning there.

"European football is one of a changing nature every year and the challenge to me seems to get different because it's a varied tournament in the terms of club form.

"The Italians have not been as good as the Spaniards or English teams, but there is a sense they are better now.

"Old Trafford will be rocking and I am sure whether they are wearing the traditional red and white or the protest green and gold scarves, the supporters will be united and speaking with one voice to get us safely through."