Young On Beckham

This season we're asking current Reds to discuss their admiration for a Manchester United legend of their choice. It begins with Ashley Young paying tribute to David Beckham, who will be back in action on Saturday for the UNICEF 'Match For Children' at Old Trafford...

"Fantastic and exceptional are words that come into your head when you speak about Becks and what he did in his career - he’s been a fantastic servant to the game.

When I first got into the England squad, David was captain and helped me straight away. He gave me some good advice about being in the squad and when an England captain speaks to you, you listen! The best piece of advice he gave me was to never stop working. It was great advice to have at the time and it’s something I now relay to other younger players - you have to put the hard work in to reap the rewards.

Everything about his play was great to watch but he was also one of the hardest working players. I think that’s a side of his game that a lot of people maybe didn’t realise, just how much work he put in on and off the pitch - he worked as hard in training as he did in matches. As a youngster going into the England squad, seeing a professional like that working as hard as he did makes you want to work as hard and try to emulate everything he’s done.

Becks’ crossing was probably the best in the world – that and his free-kicks were unbelievable. It didn’t matter if there was defender in front, he’d still manage to get a cross in. The relationship he and Gary Neville had was fantastic and was very important to the team. They came through together with the Class of ’92 so they knew each other’s games and were good friends off the pitch, and I think that helped. They knew when each other needed space or when Gaz needed to overlap. They were a great combination.

The one moment that stands out when you talk about Becks is that goal at Selhurst Park from inside his own half. He’s quickly looked up and seen the goalkeeper off his line and had a go. I’ve tried it a few times in training but it’s not come off! That goal was absolutely brilliant.

Becks has always had great passion for the game and his career has been phenomenal. He’s a legend.”

This feature originally appeared in the pages of United Review, the official matchday programme at Old Trafford that is available to order online via ManUtd.com/programme.

Credit: Manutd.com