Changing room chat: David Beckham hails 'father figure' Alex Ferguson

Published on Thursday 28 July 2011 18:19

POSSIBLY for the last time, David Beckham faced his old club Manchester United on Wednesday night in New Jersey.

Playing in a deep-lying midfield role, from which he produced an excellent personal performance, Beckham could not prevent the MLS All-Stars slipping to a 4-0 defeat against Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Beckham had a friendly chat with Ferguson after the final whistle and it is clear the affection for a club he supported as a boy but left for Real Madrid in 2003 still remains. Beckham and Ferguson may have had their differences over Beckham's celebrity lifestyle but the Londoner claims he still owes a debt of gratitude to the man he describes as 'a father figure'.

"I had many successful years at Manchester United playing under Sir Alex Ferguson," he said. "I wouldn't be in the position I am today if it wasn't for him. He gave me a chance when I was 16 and I owe him a lot. He has been a father figure to me for many years. To play against Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson still as manager and some of the players I played with, is always going to be emotional."