Beckham backs United to win the Champions League

(GSM) – David Beckham has backed Manchester United to win this year’s Champions League following Milan’s painful defeat at Old Trafford.

It was not certainly the way Beckham hoped his first appearance as an opposition player against Manchester United would end up.

However, with his own interest at an end, the England international wants United to reclaim a trophy he helped them win in 1999.

“When you get knocked out of a competition you kind of hope that the team that knocks you out goes all the way,” he said.

“I really hope they go all the way.”

As he made his way off the field, Beckham wore a green and gold (the colours of the original Newton Heath club from which United emerged) scarf which drew the attention to a growing anti-Glazer campaign, aimed at ousting United’s owners.

“I’m a Man United fan. I saw the scarf there. I put it round my neck, it’s the old colours of Man United, that’s all I knew,” he said.

“To be honest it’s (the protest) not my business. I’m a Manchester United fan. I support the club. I always have done and I always will do.

“It’s nothing to do with me the way everything is run, that’s to do with other people but I’m a Man United fan and I support the team.

“I will always support them.”

Beckham admitted he was aware of the gathering protests against United’s owners, adding: “Obviously you can hear it week in and week out. There’s always protests going on. Let’s hope it gets sorted out.”

Wayne Rooney laid the foundations for a 4-0 win to kill off the tie, which United won 7-2 on aggregate.

“His performance was a continuation of his form in the last few months – just sensational and unbelievable,” said Ferguson.

The Red Devils would’ve expected to be lined up against Cristiano Ronaldo in the quarter-final draw next Friday.

Instead, Real were dumped out of the competition by Olympique Lyon, who joined Arsenal, United and Bayern München as the quartet who are definitely through to the last eight.

“I was surprised at Real Madrid’s result,” said Ferguson.

“But European football is very tough now. In the last few years English clubs have done very well and I think they will be there again.

“It doesn’t matter who we play in the quarters. We are there and hopefully we take advantage.”