United face Hammers without Beckham

Depleted Manchester United began life without David Beckham at Upton Park today.

England captain Beckham – who scored twice in a 5-3 win here last season when the then reigning Premiership champions twice came from behind – is unlikely to play again before Christmas after fracturing a rib.

He was joined on the sidelines by close friend Gary Neville, who did not travel because of a thigh injury.

The absence of that international pair adds to Alex Ferguson’s injury woes with Rio Ferdinand (thigh), Roy Keane (hip) and Nicky Butt (ankle) already missing.

However, United were boosted by the return of Wes Brown, following a three-month lay-off with an ankle injury.

West Ham, meanwhile, were seeking a first home Premiership success at the eighth attempt this season.

Glenn Roeder’s team, whose five league defeats in east London have been coupled with a Worthington Cup loss to Second Division Oldham, showed two changes with French duo Sebastien Schemmel and Edouard Cisse replacing the dropped Tomas Repka and Steve Lomas (ankle).