BECKHAM URGES COLE TO BE PATIENT

Ferguson revealed before the weekend Charity Shield defeat by Liverpool that Cole would not form part of his first-choice forward partnership, the first instance of this during his six years at Old Trafford.

The Scot, though, stated on Monday that the former Newcastle marksman was part of the squad needed to challenge for honours, and Beckham has backed this view - urging Cole to be patient.

"Andy Cole definitely has a major role to play with Manchester United," the England captain declared.

"He has proved he is a world-class player and this will be a massive season for everyone at the club.

"Everyone at United knows the manager has signed a couple of great players in [Ruud] van Nistelrooy and Juan Veron.

"But we all have to compete for our places at United. I know that and so does Andy Cole. If you don't perform to the required level, there are always other players waiting to take your place in the team.

"We're a massive club and the manager has been signing world-class players for the last 10 years."

Cole, himself, said that he would not settle for a place on the bench behind Paul Scholes and van Nistelrooy, but Beckham urged his team-mate to bide his time, adding: "You always think you're not going to get into the side. But then the boss sells someone and things fall into place.

"It's just a case of being very patient."