Liverpool hero: United legend has never been one of the best in the world
Liverpool FC legend Alan Hansen believes Manchester United have nothing to fear against an ageing AC Milan side and even claims Sir Alex Ferguson would be delighted to see David Beckham in the starting line-up. The former Anfield stalwart believes Beckham has never been one of the world’s best players and suggests his perennial place on the bench for England and now AC Milan reveals him to be little more than an impact player now.
The Liverpool FC legend intimates Beckham is perhaps the most famous name football has ever had, but suggests his ability has never matched his profile, even when he was winning multiple Premier League titles with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United.
Hansen suggests Beckham was a good player, playing in a great team, but claims the 34-year-old England veteran likes “doesn't compare to the likes of Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes”.
The Liverpool FC hero, who won eight league titles during his illustrious Anfield career believes Beckham’s replacement at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, won titles for Sir Alex Ferguson, while the former was merely a cog in a superb team.
The Liverpool FC hero told the Daily Telegraph: “If Beckham starts for Milan against his old club in the Champions League last-16 tie, you can guarantee that Sir Alex Ferguson will be absolutely delighted.”
“It is a tribute to Beckham that he has maintained the desire and enthusiasm to play at this level for so long, but you cannot escape the fact that the best he can now offer is as a guy who might make an impact as a substitute in the final 20 minutes.”
“He is consistently on the bench for Milan and it is the same for England because that is the only way he can influence a game.”
“That's why Sir Alex will relish seeing Beckham's name in Milan's starting line-up. I don't think it will happen, but if it does, United defender Patrice Evra will have a field day against him.”
“Beckham has never been one of the best footballers in the world, but he is almost certainly the most high-profile the game has seen.”
“When I was in Japan for the World Cup in 2002, if you asked somebody whether they spoke English, they usually only knew one word: 'Beckham.' His global recognition is unsurpassed, but in purely football terms, I don't believe he would be one of United or England's top 10 players.”
“Sure, he played a big role in helping United win trophies, but he was among great players. He doesn't compare to the likes of Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes. They were the main men.”
“When Beckham left United in 2003, they replaced him with Cristiano Ronaldo and when you compare the impact made by the pair of them at Old Trafford, Beckham pales into insignificance.”
“Quite simply, Ronaldo won titles and other trophies for United. Beckham was merely part of a great team that won trophies.”
“There is talk in Italy that the present AC Milan team lack pace. Beckham is a contributory factor in that and, as a result, I think he might not play in either game against United.”
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He was one of the top players around 98-00 I think. Had immense commitment and determination which made him a great player. He wasn't ever world class but certainly a fucking good player all because of his hard work.
Subject: Hansen on Beckham 
Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:41 pm
