BBC News | FOOTBALL | Beckham pledges future to Man Utd

BBC News Online: Sport: Football

Sunday, 12 March, 2000, 10:32 GMT

Beckham pledges future to Man Utd

David Beckham has promised his future to Manchester United and says the only way he will leave the club is if it decides to sell him.

He also said that he has an ambition to take over from Roy Keane as captain of the Old Trafford club.

His comments came as manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed their training ground row three weeks ago was over and the air had been cleared.

There's no bigger club in the world than United so why should I want to leave?
David Beckham

Beckham was dropped by the United boss for the club's crucial Premiership clash at Leeds on 20 February after he failed to attend training.

The incident led to a clash between the pair, which in turn sparked speculation that Beckham could be on his way to Arsenal, or to an overseas giant like AC Milan.

Beckham responded by telling the News of the World: "The only time I will ever leave is if they decide to sell me. It will not be my choice.

"At the end of the season I will have a couple of years left on my contract. I will talk to them at any time about signing a new one.

"It annoyed me to read I am leaving Manchester United because there's no other club I want to play for.

"The thought of pulling on any shirt other than the red one of United just doesn't appeal to me.

"There's no bigger club in the world than United so why should I want to leave?"

"I want to stay at Manchester United, become captain and be the best player in the world."

The players know I don't hold grudges. I haven't got the time to hold a grudge
Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson has also spoken publicly about the incident, saying: "I have had a chat with David. All we can say about him now is that the matter is cleared. It's over.

"It was finished on the day it began. I hope David is now saying the same positive things about his situation."

He went on to say in the Mail on Sunday: "The players know I don't hold grudges. I haven't got the time to hold a grudge.

"I just want to get on with the game. That applies to all the players and David is no different from anyone else.

"In the course of a season we may have situations with players and they are dealt with internally. It's called control.

"I will make a decision and that's the matter over. It is never brought up again. It was the same with David. Now that's cleared - finished."

Related to this story:
Solskjaer saves the day (07 Mar 00 | Champions League)
Fiorentina toppled as Barca march on (07 Mar 00 | Champions League)
Man Utd pass Ł1bn (08 Mar 00 | Business)
Football's flawed superstar? (20 Feb 00 | Football)
Beckham axed by Ferguson (20 Feb 00 | FA Carling Premiership)
Brooklyn celebrates first birthday (05 Mar 00 | Entertainment)
Dropping Beckham 'illegal' (26 Feb 00 | UK)
Beckham reports dismissed (05 Mar 00 | Football)