Becks thanks United fans

David Beckham tonight thanked Manchester United fans for "the best time of his football career".

The former England captain made a surprise half-time appearance at tonight's UEFA celebration game at Old Trafford, the first time he had stood in front of a United crowd for almost four years.

Injury robbed Beckham of the chance to turn out against his old club for Marcello Lippi's Europe XI and he admitted he was "devastated" to miss out on what could be his last chance to play at the ground.

But he was grateful to be given an opportunity to address his fellow United fans, saying: "It's amazing to be back having, waited four years for this and it's nice to be back on such a historic night.

"This is the first time I've been back when it's been full of Manchester United fans."

Beckham also ended any doubt he had buried the hatchet with mentor and United boss Alex Ferguson, who once accidentally hit Beckham with a boot he had kicked whilst in a rage.

"Everybody here knows you've got the best manager in the world at this club," said Beckham, who will join MLS side LA Galaxy when his Real Madrid contract expires in the summer.

"I just want to say that the time I spent at this club is the best time of my football career.

"I've waited four years to actually come back and say thank you to the fans and the people at this club."

Beckham then made specific reference to the support he received in the wake of his sending-off in the 1998 World Cup, when he was castigated in almost every other quarter.

"I wouldn't have got through that many things without the people in this stadium," he said.

"Good luck for the rest of the season and good luck for the future.

"This team's going to go on and win many things for many years to come."