Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie plays down Becks return

19 Dec 2009 - 14:08:21

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Sir Alex Ferguson has played down David Beckham's return to Manchester United after neglecting to mention the former fans' favourite when discussing his side's Champions League last-16 draw.

Beckham is in line to make an emotional return to his boyhood club with AC Milan in the first knockout round of the competition in March following his loan move to the Rossoneri.

But when asked about his thoughts on the tie, Ferguson chose not to discuss what would be an emotional return for Beckham.

Instead he focused on that fact that the Red Devils have never got the better of Milan in the European Cup in four previous meetings and last season's disappointment at losing to Barcelona in the Champions League Final.

"We've come up against AC Milan many times in the quarter and semi-finals, so it will be a fantastic setting for two great clubs and we're very much looking forward to it," said Ferguson.

"I think our experience of being in the last two finals counts. Also, what's important is that we lost the last final. It was the first time I'd ever lost a European final.

"We know where we went wrong in that, it's quite simple, and I think they'll all want to get back to the final.

"The celebrations when you win a European trophy are beyond everything else. But when you lose the impact is far greater. It was a letdown for everyone."