It is more than 20 years since David Beckham Manchester United, his boys' club and the team with which he found the greatest success.
Since then a lot has changed for both parties. For United, much of that change has not been for the better. A Torrid 2024/25 campaign culminated with a gloomy postseason tour through Asia, in which players were involved in controversial incidents.
“I don't like to see what's happening in the club,” said Beckham on CBS Sports. “It is true that it is the field that matters, but I see many things that are not acceptable as a fan and a fan of Manchester United. You have to represent the badge. I have seen many things where players did not act in the right way.”
It is thought that Beckham refers to two examples of alleged player flushing. Winger Amad Diallo was seen who held a middle finger up for crowd outside the team hotel and later claimed that they insulted his mother.
Teammate Alejandro Garnacho was also in hot water after he had given the middle finger to fans after a match in Hong Kong.
Those reactions were probably born of understandable frustration after a stressful season for all involved. Both are also young players who have turned a lot of pressure during their career at Old Trafford.
But Beckham insisted that that kind of eruptions would not have happened during his time at the club, when there was a stronger culture of respect for supporters.
“We understood what it meant to play for Manchester United. We understood what the badge meant,” the Englishman added.
“Everywhere we traveled, either in Europe or Asia, we respected the fans. We respected the fact that they came and paid money to see us, get a signature or to take photos. You have to respect that.”
The 2024/25 season of Manchester United is now officially over. But the real work now starts when the club hierarchy is to prepare a team that can prevent an embarrassing season next year.
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