Beckham shows anti-Glazer side
David waving to the crowd at Old Trafford
David Beckham earned his most rousing applause as he left the pitch at Old Trafford on Wednesday, simply for wearing a green and gold scarf that symbolizes the protest by Manchester United fans against the club's American owners.
Beckham, who played 394 matches for Manchester United before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, was back at Old Trafford for the first time.
Now on loan at AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy, the 34-year-old Beckham only played the last 25 minutes in a 4-0 Champions League loss to Manchester United that ended the Italian club's run in the European competition.
Manchester United fans are trying to force the Glazer family into selling the club, which has debts of around $1.1 billion. As part of that push, the protesters are encouraging fans to wear the scarves.
While Beckham has distanced himself from the motives behind the campaign, he picked up a scarf from the pitch as he walked off.
"I saw the scarf there. I put it round my neck," Beckham said. "It's nothing to do with me the way everything is run, that's to do with other people, but I'm a Manchester United fan and I support the team.
"Obviously, you hear it week in and week out about the protests. There's always protests going on. Let's hope it gets sorted out."
While much has changed behind the scenes since Beckham left United - the Glazers' takeover came two years after his departure - the team's ability to ruthlessly dismantle opponents has not.
United advanced 7-2 on aggregate with the lopsided win at Old Trafford following a 3-2 win in Italy over Milan.
"Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say you have been beaten by a better team," Beckham said.
Even so, the fans showed their appreciation for Beckham.
"Coming back home to Old Trafford was a really emotional night," Beckham said. "I never underestimate the Manchester United fans. The way they supported me through my whole career is incredible and tonight surprised me even more. It was an unbelievable reception.
"I didn't think I'd get here again. After a few years you think it's not going to happen seven years on, first time back. As much as it was disappointing (for Milan to lose) it was really an incredible night."
Now the Italian league offers Beckham's only chance of ending his second loan spell at Milan with a trophy. Leonardo's side is four points behind Inter Milan. - AP
Published March 11, 2010
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