Big Beck's Boost

United triumph but Becks injury blow had England worried

England were handed a major boost this morning when Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that David Beckham might have recovered from his ankle injury to play again as early as next week.

"We will know more later, but he could be back for next week," commented the United manager when the team arrived back on English soil.

What should have been a night to savour for David Beckham and Manchester United in Spain last night had ended in distress for the England captain after he left the pitch on a stretcher with he and the rest of the country desperately hoping that he has not suffered a serious injury.


With the English Champions 2-0 up against Deportivo La Coruna in Wednesday’s Champions League Quarter Final First Leg, Beckham was caught by a late and callous tackle from the Deportivo forward, Diego Tristan.

Doubled over in pain, and covering his face with his hands in a manner reminiscent of Gazza in the 1991 F.A. Cup Final, David left the field on a stretcher for immediate medical attention.

The prognosis after the game was that Becks has sustained swelling above his ankle but no more could be ascertained at that stage.

"It was a terrible tackle on David," said the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"The player only got a yellow and that’s really debatable because it should have been a red card.

"I’m surprised it was Tristan because he’s a footballer.’’

Ferguson explained the England skipper would have an X-ray back in Manchester today.

"We’ll have a look at it and he will have an X-ray on Tuesday."

In the first half Becks had shown that he really is playing at the height of his powers at the moment. His brilliance crowned Coruna with one of the finest goals of his career. Picking up the ball mid-way inside the Spaniards’ half, Beckham unleashed one of those perfect shots that are destined for the net from the moment that they are struck.

The ball sped high into the night’s sky before curling and dipping viciously at the last as it arrowed into the top left-hand corner.

United went on to clinch a crucial victory thanks to delicate Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s volleyed finish from a teasing Silvestre centre.

And, if the injury is not as bad as had been feared, United will be able to fully appreciate what was a tremendous result against a team of the hightest quality.

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I hope the injuries dont far out weight manchester Uniteds performance. Lets hope Beckham is back next week.