Stam's warning to Beckham

Stam crossed Ferguson and was sold

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam reckons David Beckham has no choice but to leave Old Trafford.

Stam departed United for Lazio after claims he made in his autobiography infuriated manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

And the commanding central defender reckons that once Ferguson agrees to sell one of his key players there is no point remaining at the club.

"Once Ferguson decides you are no longer part of his plans for whatever reasons, there is no turning back," Stam told the Sunday Mirror newspaper.

I know a lot of United players will not want to see Beckham leave

Jaap Stam

"You are like an unwanted piece of baggage and you have to weigh up whether it's worth hanging around when there is no chance of playing."

United have provisionally accepted a bid from Barcelona for Beckham, which depends on Joan Laporta winning Sunday's presidential election at the Catalan club.

Man Utd accept Beckham bid

Several other clubs, including Real Madrid, have been strongly linked with Beckham.

Stam reckons United's decision to publicly say they are prepared to accept Barca's bid means Beckham's career at Old Trafford is over.

"I think you are just expected to accept it, there is no plan in place if you decide you're not going other than the fact you will probably be left to rot in the reserves," added Stam.

"I am sure the other players are surprised by Beckham's departure and the way it has happened. I know a lot of them will not want to see him leave."

Stam angered Ferguson after he said in his book that United made an illegal approach for him prior to his departure from PSV Eindhoven to Old Trafford.

The defender was eventually sold to Italian club Lazio for £16.5m.

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