Beckham: Butt exit is a mistake

David Beckham believes Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson would be making a mistake by letting Nicky Butt leave Old Trafford.

Butt is unsettled at United because of a lack of first team opportunities.

England captain Beckham reckons Butt is good enough for any team in the world.

"Nicky is a great player and he's been a great servant to United," Beckham told the News of the World.

"He's a player that can play at the highest level. If he comes to Spain, of course he'd fit in. He would strengthen any midfield in the world.

"I think United are wrong to let him go because he's homegrown talent and that's hard to come by.

"I'm sure anyone in Nicky's position would like first-team football and to play all the time because he's a fantastic player.

"But it's up to him to make that decision. I'm sure he would make the Real first team. He'd get a chance in any team."