BECKHAM BENCHED BY BOSS
The ubiquitous Beckham was England's saviour on Saturday when producing a last-gasp free kick to send his country to the World Cup finals, but it seems he is unlikely to be given the chance to inspire United.
"I didn't see the England game - I was at the races and had some sanity in my life - but I had all the details coming through," said Ferguson.
"It was a hell of an effort from the lad and there is only so much you can get from players. You have to be sensible.
"It is a big game in which to rest a big player, but I have to look at freshness and I will probably put him on the bench.
"That is my instinct today. I might have a look at him in training but I don't know if it will tell me anything different.
"The effort the lad produced for England may have an effect on us and I have to consider the freshness of the team.
"There is no indication from David. He always wants to play. But he produced a hell of an effort and it has taken its toll physically."
Ferguson cited the media as one of the reasons he may be forced to leave Beckham out.
"The media circus surrounding him was over the top as usual," he said.
"The media don't care a stuff for us. It is all about selling newspapers. I have to pick up the pieces, pick a team and bring players back down to earth."
Despite the United manager's claims, he may actually start with Beckham, should he decide to rest Juan Sebastian Veron - who has been playing for Argentina in South America over the past week.
"He has travelled a hell of a distance and I need to see him in training," Ferguson said of Veron.
Nicky Butt is also missing from the travelling party with a rib injury and therefore United's midfield options are already limited.
Ferguson also admitted that Andy Cole's performance at Tottenham in The Premiership last week could earn him a place in the starting line-up.
"I think the performance at Tottenham was very good," said Ferguson. "I thought the second half was fantastic and you can't dismiss that.
"You don't dismiss performances and I thought Andy Cole, in particular, had an outstanding game against Tottenham and that's why he's a serious consideration for this game."
United are well aware that they need to take something out of the game in Athens, following their earlier loss to Deportivo La Coruna, but The Red Devils realise that the Greeks also need a win to get themselves back on track after they also lost their last game against Lille.
