DAVID BECKHAM will fail in his attempt to turn the US into
a soccer-loving country, according to Alex Ferguson. The England
star faces a near-impossible task after signing for LA Galaxy from
Real Madrid. But Becks' boss at Manchester United reckons he will
not be able to change America's sporting habits.
Fergie said: In the late 70s I went to America with Aberdeen and
there were guys like Teofilo Cubillas and Peter Shilton there.
Before that there was Pele, Cruyff, Beckenbauer. It is difficult
with David going there - I dont know what kind of impact he can
make.
David Beckham himself cant change the whole country. The size of
the country makes it difficult. In European football, and
especially in British football, you can travel easily. If you are
Boston and need to go to Los Angeles its a six-hour flight.
Supporters dont travel so you are missing that rivalry between
fans.
So you have a problem. To make it substantial you would have to go
regional but theres not enough teams to have four strong leagues.
What you have got in the States is that a lot of kids are playing
football and there is nowhere to go. The best American players go
to Europe very early, like Brad Friedel, Brian McBride and Clint
Dempsey. So that situation doesnt help the American game.
