David Beckham marked an ‘emotional’ return to Old Trafford during Manchester United’s treble anniversary match against Bayern Munich. The footballer was reunited with his once boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who returned to the dugout to manage his former side. Manchester United Join Battle For Brazilian Striker Pedro.
The match between the veterans was a tribute to the 1998 Champions League final where Manchester United overcame Bayern Munich with two last-gasp goals to clinch a historic treble – making them the first English side to achieve the feat. Many players from that United and Munich teams participated in Sunday’s charity match. Funds collected from the game went to the Manchester United Foundation.
Many players from that historic Manchester United team such as Peter Schmeichel, Gary Neville, Jaap Stam, Dwight Yorke, current Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Andy Cole apart from Beckham, participated in the match. The game also marked the 20th anniversary of the treble achievement, which to date remains United’s greatest ever night in European football.
"Amazing to be back at Old Trafford," said Beckham before adding how emotional he was on reuniting with his former boss Ferguson and the players he had made history with."
Beckham was the star in the night and showcased his world-class crossing skills. The former Real Madrid player completed his sensational performance with a solo effort in the closing stages as United ran-out 5-0 comfortable winners. Valencia Wins Copa Del Rey Title After Beating Barcelona 2-1.
His superior crossing skills delighted the 60,000 odd Manchester United crowd, who had gathered to see their former manager Ferguson and many of their footballing heroes in action once again. Beckham’s performance created a stir on social media with many asking the club to re-sign their former academy graduate and play him on the right wing.
At 44, Beckham still looked fit and was accurate with his deliveries something that has been so badly missing on the club’s right-wing. His goal late on that completed the perfect afternoon, Beckham had enjoyed on return to the Theatre of Dreams.
Ferguson returned to the dugout for the first time after recovering from a brain haemorrhage in 2018 and many, including Beckham, paid tribute to their gaffer, who led Manchester United to their greatest season in the club’s history.
Manchester United thrashed Bayern Munich 5-0 with Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Nicky Butt, Louis Saha and David Beckham getting to the score-sheet.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 27, 2019 02:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).