/ 30 July 2003

No point dwelling on the past, says Beckham

David Beckham says he has fond memories of Manchester United, but made it clear there was no point dwelling on the past.

Asked if he still harboured a grudge after being relegated to the bench for United’s Champions League exit against Real Madrid at Old Trafford last season, he said: ”I think that’s in the past now.”

”I’m Real Madrid player and I’ve got a lot of fond memories of playing in Manchester. I’ve got a lot of great friends (there).

”Regarding anything that goes on in Manchester now, I think Manchester United has moved on as a club and I will move on with my new club so I don’t think I need to say anything more on that.”

United won the crucial match 4-3 with Beckham scoring twice after coming on as a 63rd minute substitute, but holders Real took the quarter-final tie 6-5 on aggregate.

It was not the first time Beckham had been left on the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson for a key game, and intensified speculation that the midfield maestro would leave for Real, which he subsequently did.

Beckham is in south-western China with Real for a week-long training session as part of a promotional tour and was speaking at a press conference. – Sapa-AFP