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I back AC Milan's David Beckham to score free-kick against Manchester United - Lee Sharpe
Former team-mate thinks prodigal son will return with a bang
10 Mar 2010 07:40:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Matt Monaghan | Manchester United correspondent
Lee Sharpe has backed “proper legend” David Beckham to add another chapter to his glorious career by scoring a trademark free kick upon his Old Trafford return.
The eyes of the world will be focused on Beckham for Wednesday night’s Champions League second round, second leg clash. This fixture will mark his first competitive appearance at the stadium since leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.
AC Milan travel to the north west of England trailing by 3-2 and Beckham will need to be at his best to help his current side overcome the odds. Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, Sharpe, 38, hoped his ex-team-mate wouldn’t swing in a deadly set-piece to dump United out of the tournament.
He said: “European nights are special ones at Old Trafford and the atmosphere is always fantastic. United have found their best form coming in to the match, but it is going to be tough.
“I hope he doesn’t, but knowing Becks, he is likely to curl in one of his free kicks. There’s a very good chance that could happen, though I hope not for United’s sake.”
Beckham received a standing ovation at the ground in a friendly to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Union three years ago. Sharpe expected a repeat reception for the Los Angeles Galaxy man after his “great years” at the Theatre of Dreams
“I’m sure David will be a little bit nervy about coming back, but also excited. He enjoyed plenty of great years at Old Trafford and I am sure the fans will give him a really good reception," Sharpe said.
“Becks is a proper legend and I only hope he doesn’t do any damage to knock United out of the Champions League."
This week he said: “It was a very emotional night for me playing against United in Milan, but going back to Old Trafford is going to be even more so.
“The United fans were unbelievable in the first leg and I thank them for that. It was amazing to hear their chants.
“Without a doubt it will be emotional to hear that from a crowd of more than 70,000 at Old Trafford.”
Pitchero is the UK's No.1 online network for amateur sport. To create your club or league website visit www.pitchero.com.
By Matt Monaghan | Manchester United correspondent
Lee Sharpe has backed “proper legend” David Beckham to add another chapter to his glorious career by scoring a trademark free kick upon his Old Trafford return.
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The eyes of the world will be focused on Beckham for Wednesday night’s Champions League second round, second leg clash. This fixture will mark his first competitive appearance at the stadium since leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.
AC Milan travel to the north west of England trailing by 3-2 and Beckham will need to be at his best to help his current side overcome the odds. Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, Sharpe, 38, hoped his ex-team-mate wouldn’t swing in a deadly set-piece to dump United out of the tournament.
He said: “European nights are special ones at Old Trafford and the atmosphere is always fantastic. United have found their best form coming in to the match, but it is going to be tough.
“I hope he doesn’t, but knowing Becks, he is likely to curl in one of his free kicks. There’s a very good chance that could happen, though I hope not for United’s sake.”
Beckham received a standing ovation at the ground in a friendly to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Union three years ago. Sharpe expected a repeat reception for the Los Angeles Galaxy man after his “great years” at the Theatre of Dreams
“I’m sure David will be a little bit nervy about coming back, but also excited. He enjoyed plenty of great years at Old Trafford and I am sure the fans will give him a really good reception," Sharpe said.
“Becks is a proper legend and I only hope he doesn’t do any damage to knock United out of the Champions League."
Homecoming | Beckham back at Old Trafford
Sharpe was already an established name at the club when Beckham made the move to the youth ranks in 1991. The pair spent three years together in the first team before long-term injuries and the emergence of the sprightly superstar pushed him in to a transfer across the Pennines to Leeds United in 1996.
Beckham himself has talked excitedly about making the trip, having spent 10 seasons with the Mancunian outfit, in which he made 394 appearances and scored 85 goals. If selected by Milan's head coach Leonardo, he will be ready to take centre-stage once again.This week he said: “It was a very emotional night for me playing against United in Milan, but going back to Old Trafford is going to be even more so.
“The United fans were unbelievable in the first leg and I thank them for that. It was amazing to hear their chants.
“Without a doubt it will be emotional to hear that from a crowd of more than 70,000 at Old Trafford.”
Pitchero is the UK's No.1 online network for amateur sport. To create your club or league website visit www.pitchero.com.
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
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