EFFENBERG IN NEW BECKS BLAST

The Bayern Munich midfielder has clashed with Beckham in several Champions League clashes with Manchester United over the years and his outburst comes days after the two sides drew 1-1 in the opening game of their second group stage.

German international Effenberg, who has been the subject of much criticism from the Bayern fans, president Franz Beckenbauer and former team mate Lothar Matthaus in recent weeks, also slammed Beckham's performance in Tuesday's draw as dreadful.

"Beckham was dreadful," the German international said. "He made so many bad passes - if that had been me the crowd would never have stopped booing.

"And he's supposed to be a candidate for footballer of the year! Give me a break."

"There were 11 players on each side, it wasn't Effenberg versus Beckham. If that had been the case we would have won 1-0."

Meanwhile, United striker Andy Cole has again expressed his concern at a lack of first team opportunities at Old Trafford.

The former Newcastle United marksman has found himself left in the cold for much of United's Champions League campaign this season, with Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson preferring Ruud van Nistelrooy in a lone strikers role.

Cole has made fleeting appearances as a substitute, but playing a bit-part role is not enough for the England striker, who is keen to impress and stake a claim for a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad.

"Coming on as a sub doesn't do it for me. I'd be lying if I said I was satisfied with that. It is very difficult because you are never really in tune with the game," he said.

"Some people can do that - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is top drawer - but it's not something that I particularly like.

"These days it's one up front in Europe, that's the way we are going to play. It's very difficult."