Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that David Beckham's move to the United States had not surprised him because he knew the midfielder would not return to England if he could not come back to Manchester United. The United manager, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid for 25 million pounds in 2003, said he believed Beckham has so much affection for United that he would not want to play against them for any other club in England.
I anticipated that," said Ferguson on Friday when asked his response to Beckham's money-spinning move to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy team.
"I expected him to go to America. We wish him well. It's a big career change to go from playing for Real Madrid to playing in America.
"I don't think there was any chance of him coming back to England having played for us.
"I think deep down he was always a United fan and I don't think there was any chance of him coming back to another English club."
Ferguson believes former England captain Beckham's move to the United States was accelerated by the fact he has not featured as much as he would have hoped for Real Madrid this season.
"You have got to gauge his position at Real Madrid at the moment," said the Scot. "It's probably accelerated it because he's only played five games this season. He can't be happy with that.
"Every top player wants to play. So that has probably accelerated the whole business of it.
"He was a terrific player for Manchester United and everyone at the club hopes he does well in America."
United defender Gary Neville, Beckham's closest friend in football, predicted that his pal would be determined to go out of Madrid on a high.
"I wish him all the best in everything he does," said Neville, who grew up alongside Beckham at Old Trafford and went on to partner him on England's right flank.
"He is a great friend and this is another challenge for him. He has another six months left at Real Madrid and I am sure he will want to try and win something with them.
"After that he will head for America and having spoken to him I know he is looking forward to it. You need challenges in your life and he has a new one.
"David has always wanted to do things differently and in his own way. He has done it again."
