Beckham to make Old Trafford return

David Beckham can look forward to a return to Old Trafford after Milan were drawn against his former club Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday.

The draw also pitted Jose Mourinho, now coach of Inter, with his old club Chelsea.

Holders Barcelona were given a relatively straightforward task against Bundesliga strugglers Stuttgart, while nine-times winners Real Madrid will face Lyon.

Beckham, who is rejoining Milan on a short-term loan from LA Galaxy, had said earlier this week that he wanted to play against the English side he left in 2003.

"Seven years have gone by and I want it to happen," Beckham, who helped United win the Champions League in 1999, told reporters.

"Me against United, great, no?"

Manchester United director of communications Phil Townsend welcomed the prospect of Beckham's return.

"He'll get a fantastic reception as players coming back usually do at United," Townsend said.

"Obviously, he was a very popular player with the fans when he was there, a terrific servant for the club and we all hope he is playing for them."

Milan's organisational director Umberto Gandini told Sky television they were happy to have avoided a meeting with Chelsea, coached by their former boss Carlo Ancelotti.

"But we'll be playing against a great team in United, last year's finalist, a team that plays great football and has this type of clash in their chromosomes," he said.

"They are a team that have many resources. Naturally, they are not the armoured car (of the past), but they won their group easily, and up front and at the back they are very strong.

"But we also have our weapons to use. We'll have Beckham on our side - lots of ingredients for a great match."

Former Inter and Portugal winger Luis Figo, who has taken an ambassadorial role for the club, said Mourinho would relish the return.

"It's always good to go back to a place where you have been successful and I think it will be a difficult match for both teams," he said.

"He brought them titles. I think the people love him and it will be an emotional return for him."

Real Madrid's tie against Lyon will see Karim Benzema, part of Real's massive off-season rebuilding programme, play against his former club.

"It's a privilege to play against Real Madrid," Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas told Eurosport.

"We played them four times and never lost, winning twice and drawing twice. We will not be the favourites but playing the best team in the world is a fantastic opportunity.

"It's also great to meet Karim Benzema. I wish him a happy birthday - I think it's tomorrow (today). He's an exceptional player and a charming young man."