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Beckham looks set for an Old Trafford farewell
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Manchester United supporters are resigned to losing David Beckham - but believe his transfer will prove a drawn-out affair.
Fans say the club's statement that they are prepared to sell the England captain to Barcelona may open the door to further offers.
United revealed on Tuesday a bid had been accepted from the Spanish club, subject to a number of conditions.
Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid, along with Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan, have also been linked with Beckham.
Andy Mitten, founding editor of the United We Stand fanzine, told the BBC Sport website: "I think the club has made a clear signal they're prepared to let him go.
"It'd certainly be difficult for him to stay for him to stay there now."
The Old Trafford club have agreed to sell Beckham to Barcelona if Joan Laporta is voted president at the Spanish club's elections on Sunday.
But the deal depends on Laporta edging out rival Lluis Bassat for the presidency - and Beckham agreeing personal terms.
Most supporters would trust the manager's judgement
Man Utd fan Julian Spencer
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Julian Spencer, chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association, believes the transfer has a long way to run.
"This chap (Laporta) has not even been elected yet although this might give him the significant boost he needs. And the deal might prove unacceptable to David Beckham," said Spencer.
"There are a few twists and turns left yet and it'll provide the time for other clubs to start showing their hands.
"There's a diversity of opinion over the Beckham move but, from our point of view, if the money goes on strengthening the squad there will be full backing for the boss and the board.
"If this is simply to aid the share price or whatever there would be a public outcry. But most supporters I feel would trust the manager's judgement."
Good servant
Spencer believes it is up front where the team need a new injection of talent, with Brazilian Ronaldinho and AC Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko his preferred targets.
"The general view was that, if something had happened to Ruud van Nistelrooy last season, we would have been stuck," he said.
"Andrei Shevchenko would be my first choice but a world-class striker is needed to back him up.
"I don't think David Beckham's departure will make that much difference. The club just move on."
Many Old Trafford regulars have faith in manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Beckham is perceived as a world class player, but he's not the best player at Old Trafford," said Mitten, co-writer of a Rough Guide to Manchester United.
"He's been a good servant to Man U but people who watch him every week will not be so concerned. He's a very good player but not as good as Zinedine Zidane.
"I think Man Utd fans will back Sir Alex. He's right more often than he's wrong. I think the fans will always back the manager's decision. It would be rude not to after all the success he's brought."
Mitten said it would be sad to lose Beckham but the media attention he attracted had reached "ridiculous" levels.
And he doubted whether the midfielder would choose a move to the Nou Camp.
"I don't think he's going to Barcelona. I've spent a lot of time there and I know the politics of the club," he said.
"Joan Laporta is a decent and honest man who is trying to get elected as president of the club. He started the presidential race in fifth and is now up to second. By tomorrow he could be up to first."
Meanwhile, United fans hope the Premiership champions will continue to thrive without their prize asset.
"Eric Cantona was arguably the best player we've ever had and people worried what might happen after he suddenly retired. But two seasons later we had won the European Cup," added Spencer.
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