Becks back at Old Trafford for Neville testimonial

David Beckham and Ryan Giggs both made appearances as former team-mate Gary Neville waved farewell to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Around 42,000 fans saw Juventus emerge 2-1 winners in Neville’s testimonial game which marks the final chapter in his playing career before a move into the media.

And the 36-year-old is hoping his first task will be to see his old club beating Barcelona in the Champions League final.

“The most important thing for this club now is to go and win that trophy on Saturday,” said Neville, who spent 20 years at United.

There was no mention of Giggs’ off-field problems, after the Welsh player was named by a British MP as the footballer who had sought to prevent details of an alleged affair being published, as the veteran set up Wayne Rooney for United’s only goal.

Paul Scholes, Anderson, John O’Shea and Rafael also played some part, although there was no action for Darren Fletcher.

Neville, who will organise his testimonial dinner in Malta on June 28, thanked Beckham, Nicky Butt and brother Phil, who helped complete the famed ‘Class of 92’ for one more United appearance.

And Beckham echoed Neville’s words of hope for his old club this weekend.

“I hope we win. It is as simple as that,” Beckham told Key103.

“Barcelona are such a great football side, one of the best in the world.

“But if any club, and any manager, can beat them it is Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. The manager continues to do it. He continues changing teams and players, yet Manchester United keep on going.

“That is why there is so much respect for him throughout the game and why he is the best manager in the world.”