‘Beckham’s heart is with United’
The England football captain's father, Ted, said speculation that his son is about to sign a £40m deal with Real Madrid was "total nonsense."
His comments followed the star's disappointment at being dropped from the starting line-up for Wednesday's Champions League clash with the Spanish giants.
Beckham was reported afterwards to have met his wife Victoria and agent Tony Stephens at a Manchester hotel and told them he wanted to leave the club.
Mr Beckham admitted David was "devastated" at being left on the bench by boss Alex Ferguson for the crucial second leg of the quarter-final which United won, with the help of two Beckham goals, although they went out on aggregate.
But Mr Beckham said of his son: "I don't think he wants to go anywhere. He loves it at United, that's where his heart is.
"He told me he was disappointed devastated, really about not being chosen. I think he should have played, but I would say that, being his dad.
"Alex Ferguson usually gets it right, but this time I think he got it wrong. [David] made a difference when he came on," Ted Beckham said.
He also said nothing should be read into his son's much-publicised consolation stg£10,000 shopping trip after being dropped.
He said: "He just likes to go shopping. What do other people do when they are not doing their job? He would get crucified if he sat about moping."
Mr Beckham said: "My gut feeling is he will stay. He never said a word to me about Madrid. The other night most people believe he should have been brought on at half-time at least.
" He changed it round and more started happening when he got on the pitch. He's never said he wants to leave United and all this stuff in the national papers is just nonsense. He has been there 11 years."
Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos believes Beckham could learn a lot from Spanish soccer if he joined Real Madrid.
"He's already considered one of the best players in the world but he could learn a great deal from Spanish football, not just from Real Madrid.
"What our president has done by buying (Luis) Figo, (Zinedine) Zidane and Ronaldo is to open the door to great players and it is hardly surprising that they are keen to come."
Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson has called on his team to hit the goal trail at White Hart Lane tomorrow.
The margins are so tight now, even the minimum requirement of victory comes with a sizeable clause.
For, with Arsenal having a narrow lead in the goal difference stakes and, crucially, having scored more as well, United need to continue the free-scoring form which has seen them find the net an incredible 23 times in their last seven outings.
"We have to maintain the determination and focus we have shown in recent weeks and try to keep the goal ratio going because in the end, that could be important," said Ferguson.
"Losing on Wednesday was disappointing but we are still top of the league and the players know if they win their last three games they have an outstanding chance of winning it and that has to be our aim now."
The United boss reported no fresh injuries ahead of the game, leaving him to decide whether to recall Beckham for either Veron or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose form in recent weeks has been outstanding.
Ferguson's dilemma is complicated even more by the return of Paul Scholes from suspension.
Scholes has scored five times in his last two league outings and is an almost certain starter, while Gary Neville may have to settle for a place on the bench after also missing out of the Madrid return after picking up three cautions earlier in the competition.
Ferguson admitted it is hard to assess Wednesday night's extravaganza, which saw him experience the mixed emotions of victory on the night and ultimate defeat at the same time.
"It is difficult to know what to take out of it because we played so well, yet the bottom line is that we conceded too many goals," he said.
"Sometimes though the experience of losing can help. Adversity is something we all have to face real disappointment can make you better."




