LONDON – David Beckham has urged Manchester United’s flops to prove that they are motivated enough to play for the storied club, who are going through a tough time.
The former United star was in Manchester on May 9 to attend the premiere of a new documentary about the 1999 treble-winning side. He was a key figure in the team who won the English Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup under legendary boss Alex Ferguson.
Now the former England captain’s Studio 99 company has played a role in the production of “99”, a three-part series to be launched on May 17.
Twenty-five years on from his role in that epic treble triumph, Beckham addressed the current malaise at Old Trafford.
Manager Erik ten Hag is trying to avoid the sack with his team lying eighth in the Premier League after a 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace. They have conceded 81 goals in all competitions, their worst showing since the 1976-77 season.
But Beckham believes the players must take their share of the blame, saying: “I think that’s the whole point of being a Manchester United player and playing in these big games – you should be motivated.”
The Red Devils take on title-chasing Arsenal on May 12 and have reached the FA Cup final, where they again face rivals Manchester City on May 25.
Ten Hag’s difficult second season in charge could be salvaged if United win the Cup, although that is not certain. Beckham hopes United players can prove they deserve long-term futures at the club by shining at Wembley as they look to avenge last season’s loss to City in the final.
“When you’re a professional footballer and you’re doing the job you love and you’re at the club you love... when you’re playing in any game, whether it’s a regular season game or whether it’s an FA Cup final against your rivals, that should be enough motivation,” he said.
“And, if it’s not, then you’re in the wrong team and you’re playing the wrong sport. We went into every game, a Youth Cup game, a friendly game, off-season or a European Cup final, with the same mentality and the same drive.”
The 49-year-old, a member of United’s famed “Class of 92” that included Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt, won six Premier League titles, one Champions League and numerous other honours in 11 years at Old Trafford before joining Real Madrid.
The boyhood United fan also admitted he has been discouraged by the club’s problems since their last Premier League crown in Ferguson’s final season in 2013.
“Obviously it’s been a tough five, 10, 15 years at United and we all know that. But it was never going to be easy when the boss left, (Roy) Keane left, Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) left, Gary left,” he added.
“All of these important players and personalities and characters all left United, it was always going to be a difficult time.
“We want the lads to feel – from this documentary – the inspiration of being this successful.” AFP, REUTERS
