David Beckham backs anti-Glazer movement
Thursday, 11 March 2010 11:02David Beckham enhanced his hero status with Manchester United supporters by publicly identifying himself with the ongoing revolt against the club's American owners, the Glazer family.
Beckham, who was given a standing ovation when he came on as a substitute in AC Milan's 4-0 defeat, made a point of picking up one of the green and gold scarves worn by supporters of the anti-Glazer movement and wrapping it round his neck before heading up the tunnel at the end of the game.
Green and gold were the colours of Newton Heath, the club which preceded Manchester United, and have been adopted by fans as a symbol of the club's history and traditions, which many of them feel are under threat from the high levels of debt which the Glazers have brought to the club.
Beckham had appeared to be close to tears as every section of the crowd chanted his name following his entry with 25 minutes left, but he admitted it had not been quite the homecoming he had hoped for.
He said: 'It was a disappointing night because we lost the game but, of course, returning here was special.
'I have to say thank you (to the United fans), it was really incredible. It was nice to be back.'
Beckham almost marked his return with a spectacular goal, his sweetly-struck volley forcing Edwin van der Sar into a smart save.
Beckham added: 'I caught it too well almost.
'But by that stage the game was over. Once they'd scored the first goal and then the second. They're a good team.'
