BECKHAM EXPLAINS FERGIE U-TURN

Ferguson was concerned that the England captain would be physically and mentally exhausted after his performance against Greece that helped his country qualify for the World Cup finals, and was set to hand him a place on the bench.

Beckham, however, had other ideas and saya that once he had spoken to the manager, he managed to persuade him that he was fit and raring to go.

"I did not think I would play, said Beckham. "Sir Alex knew I had had a hard game on Saturday after all. But once I spoke to him and told him I was fine that's all he needed to know. It was a big game and I really wanted to play."

Beckham repaid his manager's faith in him by breaking the deadlock in Athens and putting in another energetic performance as United ran-out 2-0 winners and break The Greek side's 13-match unbeaten home record.

Ferguson admitted that his conversation with Beckham changed his mind after he showed the desire to play in the match, although he did think it was a gamble.

"I decided to play David after a long discussion. I decided to trust him because he was desperate to play - but it was a gamble," said Ferguson.

Olympiakos coach Takis Lemonis was not taken in by the reports that Beckham would not play in the match, and says his side were prepared to face him.

"We expected David Beckham to play," said Lemonis. "We knew there was a possibility that he wouldn't, but we made our plans as if David Beckham would play."