David Beckham believes Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to sell him to Real Madrid in 2003 was the best for all parties.
The Inter Miami co-owner’s departure from Old Trafford after 11 trophy-laden seasons sent shockwaves and kicked off the midfielder’s odyssey through elite European and North American clubs.
The 48-year-old, who not only played in the Spanish capital but also played for PSG, AC Milan and LA Galaxy, recalled his ‘incredible’ experience playing alongside some of the game’s greatest players.
But he disagreed with his former captain over the effect his departure had on United’s dressing room.
“Growing up I was a Manchester United fan so all I ever wanted to do was play for United my whole career,” Beckham said on the television channel. Stick to football podcast, brought to you by Sky bet.
David Beckham believes his departure from Man United was the best thing for the club and for him personally
Keane and Beckham spent ten years together at Old Trafford, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League
Your browser does not support iframes.
Beckham joined the star-studded Real Madrid squad at the height of the Galacticos era, which included the likes of Zidane, Figo, Raul and Ronaldo
But to be honest, I look back on it now and think the decision the manager made was the best for Manchester United and me.
‘I have played for incredible clubs with incredible players and experienced things.’
Beckham captured LaLiga and Ligue 1 titles, a Spanish Super Cup and two MLS Cups after leaving Old Trafford.
While United slumped to bottom in the league in the following two seasons under Ferguson, winning just one FA Cup before Keane left in 2005.
As a result, the former fiery captain believes his teammate has left a gaping hole in the squad and compared his departure to that of Paul Ince in 1995.
‘I don’t know if it was the best thing for Manchester United (selling David Beckham).’ said Keane. ‘In the end it was great for you (David Beckham) to live in a new country and try something different, but I certainly don’t think it was good for the dressing room.
“I’d say the same thing if Paul Ince and the other guys left. When players leave, you think there is no logical reason for a player to leave at that time.”
Roy Keane spent one season at Celtic after ending his 12-year career at Man United
The former United captain revealed he would love the opportunity to play for a club abroad
In the revealing conversation, the Sky Sports expert also shared his regret that he had never played abroad himself.
Keane opted to sign for Celtic after leaving United before retiring a year later, but said he wished he had played his football further afield.
“I wish I had gone abroad.” He added. “My contract expired a few times and I got the chance to leave for free (transfer), and part of me is jealous when I see other guys going abroad because it’s a great experience for your family.
‘I was very happy at Manchester United, but if I knew it would end like this I would definitely have had to go abroad and experience a different competition.’