Source: Daily_Mail
David Beckham set for Gary Neville testimonial
ShareDavid Beckham looks set to play at Old Trafford next week in Gary Neville's testimonial.[LNB] Neville has been in touch with old friend Beckham about an appearance in the match against Juventus next Tuesday, and is confident the former England skipper will help re-unite Manchester United's famous 'Class of 92'.[LNB]Nicky Butt and Phil Neville are already confirmed, along with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who will also be involved despite the proximity of the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28. [LNB] Still got it: Manchester United legend David Beckham is set to play at Old Trafford once again[LNB]'I am in contact with David,' said Neville. 'It is looking positive but we still have a couple of things to sort out. [LNB]'Hopefully it will be an enjoyable game for the fans and, four days before Wembley, it will be like a celebration and send-off for the lads who have done so well this season.'[LNB]Neville admitted a cynicism about footballers' testimonials has emerged over the past few years, just days ahead of his own.[LNB]Neville confirmed that he plans to build a 1500-capacity supporters' club close to Old Trafford with part of the money he receives from the match.[LNB]He is also planning a project in Malta, where he has had long-time links, ensuring supporters buying tickets for next week's game know the money is not going straight to a player who has been well-paid throughout his career. [LNB] Old pros: Gary Neville (right) hung up his boots earlier this season, but Ryan Giggs is still going strong[LNB]'A cynical attitude has developed in the last 10 to 15 years about the amount of money that footballers earn,' admitted Neville. 'But look across all sport; tennis, golf, Formula One. It is huge. It connects everybody all over the world. [LNB]'And football is a huge business. So much money being poured into the game and it is the people out there on the pitch who provide the spectacle. Ultimately, the players are going to be well paid. That is an inevitability. [LNB]'But the reality is that the lads at this club came into football because they love playing football. They didn't start kicking a football around in the hallway at home when they were three because they thought of money. [LNB]'That is why football players should never forget their roots. If they continue that love of the game throughout, I don't think anyone would begrudge them money.'[LNB] Guess who from the Class of 92: Manchester United's famous youth side (left to right) Gary Neville, Ben Thornley, Steven Riley, Chris Casper, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Robbie Savage, Eric Harrison (coach), Richard Irving, Paul Scholes, Mark Rawlinson, John O'Kane, Jovan Kirovski, Keith Gillespie, David Pierce[LNB] A detailed planning application will be submitted later this year with a target to open prior to the start of the 2013/2014 season. [LNB]Although Neville is due to begin work as a Sky Sports pundit, the 36-year-old clearly has no intention of stepping back from his barely concealed love of all things United. [LNB]'I am a fan. I have always been a fan,' he said. 'I wanted to do something for the fans and have said that publicly for the last 15 years. [LNB]'This is something I know will give me satisfaction and fulfil what I believe to be a thank you, so the fans can go and enjoy it.'[LNB] For tickets to Gary Neville's testimonial, visit manutd.com/tickets or call 0161 868 8000 [LNB] 35 and out! United haul down banner after City end long trophy droughtMan United boss Ferguson escapes with warning after FA charge over ref commentsBeckham back in second place as Wigan chief Whelan tops sport rich listHe's still got it! Beckham scores with superb free-kick for LA GalaxyAll the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Paul Scholes, Keith Gillespie, Phil Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Robbie Savage, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville Places: United Kingdom, Malta
