Ferguson backs FA decision on Beckham

By Philip Seery

SIR ALEX FERGUSON believes the FA were correct to dismiss David Beckham's elbow on Lee Bowyer in Saturday's 1-0 reverse against Leeds over the weekend.

Television replays clearly highlighted that the Manchester United midfielder caught England team-mate Bowyer with his elbow but referee Jeff Winter did not report the incident.

Ferguson backed that decision and that of the FA not to take action, claiming it was just a "clumsy challenge" by the England captain.

"I had a meeting with David about the incident," Ferguson confirmed to The Mirror.

"He really didn't think he had done anything wrong at the time.

"I believe there was no intent on David's part and that it was simply a clumsy challenge.

"The fact the FA decided not to do anything about it confirms my opinion."

Meanwhile, United's 2003 tour of the United States has been delayed by 12 days, meaning it will now kick off on July 24.

The opposition for the pre-season friendlies has still to be confirmed.