Changing room chat: Beckham and Henry renew old rivalry

THE American MLS play-offs were last night poised for a nostalgic Arsenal v Manchester United rematch between Thierry Henry and David Beckham.

Former Gunners striker Henry’s New York Red Bulls side got the knockout wild card round games under way overnight against FC Dallas.

Former Red Devil Beckham and his LA Galaxy team-mates lie in wait for the Red Bulls in the two-legged Conference semi-finals.

The Galaxy have already won one trophy – the “Supporters’ Shield” – for finishing with the best record in the course of the season – effectively winning the league. But, of course, that’s not the real prize and the main aim is the MLS Cup which goes to winners of the play-offs. The Galaxy have not won it in the five years since Beckham joined from Real Madrid. And Henry admitted he finds the play-off system a little baffling.

“I will never get used to it. In Europe, Los Angeles would be champions,” said the Frenchman.

Whatever Henry’s thoughts on the system, it means his team with a record number of draws – 16 in 34 games – could have a chance to knock out LA, who had 19 wins and just five defeats.