Ferguson happy to have Beckham back for exhibition game

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is ready to welcome David Beckham back to Old Trafford when his former protege plays for the visitors in an exhibition match next month.

Beckham has been picked for a UEFA Select XI to play United in March to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome - which established the European Economic Community, forerunner to the EU - and United's 50 years of European football.

It will be the first time Beckham has played against his former club since leaving United to sign for Real Madrid in July 2003.

Beckham's exit followed a deterioration in his relationship with Ferguson and came five months after the former England captain was cut on the head by a boot kicked in anger by Ferguson following a home defeat by Arsenal.

However, Beckham has since played down any suggestions of a fall-out with Ferguson, who says he will be pleased to see the 31-year-old back on his old turf.

"I think it's fantastic," Ferguson said. "I think he was a great player at this club and he never had a chance to say goodbye to the fans because the transfer was done during the summer. I think he will get a great welcome and deservedly so."