Becks makes United return

zocoss SG

DAVID BECKHAM will make an emotional return to Manchester United next month. The Real Madrid midfielder is set to play for an EU team against a United XI on March 13.

The ex-England skipper has indicated he will feature in a charity match to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Becks spent 10 hugely successful years at United before joining Real for £25million in 2003.

It is not yet known which other players will take part as the match falls during the crucial run-in throughout the European leagues. Italy boss Marcello Lippi and UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh will take charge of the EU side.

It is understood Lippi has already invited Arsenal ace Thierry Henry and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard to join his team. Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard and Lyon manager Gerard Houllier have also promised to release their players for the match.

The game will mark 50 years since the establishment of the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the current European Union.

CKeer SG

Hur Hur. I couldn't wait to see the match - Dat is if SCV is playing. Mr. Green

Cheers.
C.K

givemeluck SG

maybe have to pay 10bucks for that match alone

zocoss SG

Sir Alex Ferguson has already pledged to field a full-strength line-up, including Henrik Larsson in what could be his farewell United appearance.

While the precise European line-up is yet to be finalised, Lippi has expressed the hope that most of his 2006 World Cup-winning squad will be at Old Trafford.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists he is happy to release his two most senior England internationals Gerrard and Carragher for the fixture.

He said: "It is an honour for our club that two of our players have been selected to represent Europe.

"I know that they feel very privileged to be in the team and that they will enjoy playing alongside the top players from other clubs.

"It will be a nice experience for them and one I am sure they will remember with pleasure in years to come."

iceFatboy SG

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007070260,00.html
this article is rather interesting and somewhat true...

if beckham concentrates on his football, he would still be wearing that famous "7".

Spica SG

Sigh.. we wun get to see him in matches now.. Crying or Very sad

Btw, when is Larsson leaving Utd? Can't Utd extend his loan?

iceFatboy SG

can, you just have to tune into US TV.

as for Larsson, I think soon if not renewed.

Spica SG

US TV? Not available on starhub rite? Even if have, the timing….arggh…

zocoss SG

NEVILLE HOPES FOR LARSSON STAY

Gary Neville is hoping Manchester United can persuade Henrik Larsson to remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season. At the moment, Larsson is due to return to Helsingborg on March 12, although Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed a hope the veteran Swede will be allowed to take part in the European Treaty centenary game at Old Trafford the following night.

Ferguson is adamant he has no wish to force the issue with Helsingborg, being only too aware of the favour that has been done to United in allowing Larsson to join the Red Devils during the Swedish off season in the first place.

However, Neville knows the impact Larsson has had at United goes way beyond the two goals the 35-year-old currently has to his name, which is why he hopes the forward will stay where he is until May.

When asked on MUTV whether Larsson leaving on March 12 was the last thing his team-mates wanted, Neville said: "Of course it is. "Forwards win you football matches. They are crucially important to any team. "If you do not have good centre-forwards then you are in trouble.

"We have three or four good forwards here. It is one of the reasons we are doing so well. "They are all different but they all work hard and want to play for the team, which is important."

Larsson's arrival has been particularly timely given both Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have been struggling with minor niggles recently. Saha was able to start last weekend's win over Charlton, although it would be no surprise if Larsson returned for Saturday's eagerly-awaited FA Cup fifth-round clash with Reading at Old Trafford.

"Henrik has been fantastic for us," said Neville. "It's not just him filling a position, it is his work-rate, attitude and movement. "I just hope we can keep him for as long as possible."

Meanwhile, Neville is set to face old friend David Beckham for the first time next month after the former England skipper was confirmed as part of Marcello Lippi's Europe XI for the charity clash, which also marks the 50th anniversary of United's entry into European competition.

"Thirty-three invitations have gone out to all the top players in Europe and hopefully we will get a really good side," said Ferguson.

"We will play a strong squad and Marcello is quite positive about most of Italy's World Cup-winning side being available, so it should be a fabulous night."