Alex Ferguson delighted David Beckham will wear Manchester United shirt

Simon Stone,Pa
Friday 20 May 2011 07:54 EDT
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Sir Alex Ferguson could not be more delighted that David Beckham has agreed to wear a Manchester United shirt again.

Eight years after he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid, Beckham will fly back to England next week to play in Gary Neville's testimonial match against Juventus.

Confirmation of Beckham's participation completes the famed 'Class of 92' that emerged through the Red Devils youth ranks at much the same time and all went on to become United stars.

Ferguson has already guaranteed Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will be involved despite their presence in the United squad for the Champions League final clash with Barcelona on May 28.

And the United boss has promised further big-name representation to provide the appropriate tribute to a player who quit in February after amassing 602 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.

"With David Beckham coming, along with Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Scholes and Giggs, it will be a fantastic occasion," said Ferguson.

"It is great to reunite these players together.

"There is no question they created a magnificent spirit in the place when they first arrived in the team.

"It helps us too because Gary's service to the club deserves a good representation from Manchester United.

"He has been a fantastic servant and I hope he gets the crowd he deserves."

It will be a novel experience too given Neville has confirmed all power used during the game will be matched by 52 windmills across the country powered by Ecotricity.

Neville has become more associated with sustainable projects in recent years and has just had planning permission granted for an 'eco home' just north of Manchester.

"I have recognised in the last two or three years the need to make personal changes in my life," said the former England star.

"Reducing my environmental impact is going to be a five-year transition for me and my family but with planning permission for my new eco-home being granted and my association with wind turbines, I am on track to complete this journey.

"I believe sport crosses all boundaries and plays a significant role in many people's lives.

"From my perspective, we have to look at the effect sport has had on other issues over the last 20 years to see that when sport comes together with society, positive actions can happen."

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