Ferguson has ‘no regrets’ about selling Beckham

As David Beckham prepares for an emotional return to Old Trafford when AC Milan take on Manchester United in the Champions League, Alex Ferguson has said he has "no regrets" about selling the player.

Beckham left United in 2003 to join Real Madrid after a very public falling out with Ferguson, and has not played against the club where he made his name since.

But that will change on February 16, when United visit the San Siro for the first leg of of their Champions League tie against Milan, Beckham's current club. Three weeks later he is likely to return to his old stamping ground for the return match.

Asked if he regretted selling Beckham, Ferguson told Inside United magazine: "No regrets. We move on."

The pair have made up since the player was sold and Ferguson said he believed that Beckham would make England's World Cup squad.

He added that he would not let the hype surrounding Beckham distract his players from the matter at hand when United take on Milan.

"He's such a high-profile celebrity - not just a high-profile footballer - and we haven't really seen anybody else return to the club in that situation," admitted Ferguson.

"Our job is to concentrate on the football match and let the David Beckham media circus carry on - we know we're not going to stop it anyway."

Beckham has said that he is looking forward to the tie, but admitted that he dreaded the possibility of having to play against his old club when he was at Real Madrid. He said the idea made him feel "sick".

Times have changed though. "Returning to Old Trafford is going to be special and a very emotional night." said Beckham. "I've spoken to Gary Neville since the draw and we both believe it's going to be a great tie." ·