Beckham Shows True Colours
David Beckham attempted to distance himself from the campaign to oust the Glazer family from Manchester United despite leaving the pitch wearing one of the green and gold scarves that have come to symbolise the fans’ protests against the club’s owners.
Beckham, afforded a stirring reception on his return to Old Trafford, picked up the scarf after it was thrown from the Stretford End on a night when Malcolm Glazer’s sons, Joel and Avram, were inside the stadium to witness the scale of antipathy towards their ownership of the club.
For someone of Beckham’s standing to endorse the green and gold movement would be regarded as a major victory for the protestors but, as the former United player reflected on Milan’s 4-0 defeat, the heaviest inflicted on them since the Champions League’s conception, he said he did not want to be regarded as a figurehead for the campaign. “I’m a Manchester United fan and when I saw the scarf I wanted to put it round my neck,” Beckham explained. “It’s the old colours of United but, to be honest, it’s not my business. I’m a United fan and I support the club. I always will, but it’s got nothing to do with me how it’s run. That’s all to do with other people. I just support the team. I will always support the team.”
That may disappoint those supporters who regarded Beckham’s final act before disappearing down the tunnel as a sign of public sympathy and solidarity. Beckham reflected on an “unbelievable” reaction from an Old Trafford crowd buoyed by a commanding performance from their team and two more goals from Wayne Rooney that left Sir Alex Ferguson wondering whether his leading scorer could emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s total of 42 last season.
Ferguson was not surprised by the crowd’s affection for the former Beckham. “We expected that and he deserved that,” the United manager said. “Most of our former players get that type of reception. Paul Ince unfortunately went to play for Liverpool so they weren’t exactly throwing garlands at him when he came back but normally they always appreciate the players who have had great careers at this club.”
With thanks to the Guardian.co.uk
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