Fergie U-turn delights Beckham

Beckham was speaking at a sunglasses launch

David Beckham says he is "over the moon" about Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to postpone his retirement as Manchester United manager.

Relations between the manager and his England midfielder became strained before Christmas when he was left on the bench for a number of matches,

It prompted speculation that Beckham's future at Old Trafford was in doubt.

It's not the salary that's a problem, it's just the image rights that needed a little perking

David Beckham on his contract negotiations

The player confirmed that although an increased salary had been agreed last September, negotiations over image rights are still on-going.

However, having rediscovered his form and reclaimed his place in the side, his delight at Ferguson's decision suggests the England captain of the national team is set to follow suit.

Beckham and his team-mates only found out about the decision on Tuesday morning as they turned up for training.

"We had been hearing little rumours but we didn't believe them," he said.

Runs out

"He came in before training and told us it was a big decision and he had decided to stay on. I am over the moon."

Ferguson confirmed that it was his wife Cathy who had persuaded him to stay on.

Beckham, married to Spice Girl Victoria, joked: "We all know about wives always making the decisions!"

The 26-year-old midfielder's current deal runs out next summer, but he said: "The negotiations have been going well.

"It's not the salary that's a problem, it's just the image rights that needed a little perking."

Beckham added that should United retain their title this season it would be their most satisfying Premiership success.

"If we do win it this year it will be the sweetest one because we took quite a lot of stick before Christmas.

"But you take the rough with the smooth, we have been through it and hopefully we can now keep on until the end of the season.

"I prefer 13-point leads but it's more exciting for the fans - they want one or two points in it and see it go down to the wire."