Gary Neville's testimonial reunites Class of '92
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Beckham set for Old Trafford appearance as Neville testimonial reunites Class of '92
Guess who from the Class of 92: Manchester United's famous youth side (left to right) Gary Neville, Ben Thornley, Steven Riley, Chris Casper, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Robbie Savage, Eric Harrison (coach), Richard Irving, Paul Scholes, Mark Rawlinson, John O'Kane, Jovan Kirovski, Keith Gillespie, David Pierce
David Beckham looks set to play at Old Trafford next week in Gary Neville's testimonial.
Neville has been in touch with old friend Beckham about an appearance in the match against Juventus next Tuesday, and is confident the former England skipper will help re-unite Manchester United's famous 'Class of 92'.
Nicky Butt and Phil Neville are already confirmed, along with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who will also be involved despite the proximity of the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28.
Still got it: Manchester United legend David Beckham is set to play at Old Trafford once again
'I am in contact with David,' said Neville. 'It is looking positive but we still have a couple of things to sort out.
'Hopefully it will be an enjoyable game for the fans and, four days before Wembley, it will be like a celebration and send-off for the lads who have done so well this season.'
Neville admitted a cynicism about footballers' testimonials has emerged over the past few years, just days ahead of his own.
Neville confirmed that he plans to build a 1500-capacity supporters' club close to Old Trafford with part of the money he receives from the match.
He is also planning a project in Malta, where he has had long-time links, ensuring supporters buying tickets for next week's game know the money is not going straight to a player who has been well-paid throughout his career.
Old pros: Gary Neville (right) hung up his boots earlier this season, but Ryan Giggs is still going strong
'A cynical attitude has developed in the last 10 to 15 years about the amount of money that footballers earn,' admitted Neville. 'But look across all sport; tennis, golf, Formula One. It is huge. It connects everybody all over the world.
'And football is a huge business. So much money being poured into the game and it is the people out there on the pitch who provide the spectacle. Ultimately, the players are going to be well paid. That is an inevitability.
'But the reality is that the lads at this club came into football because they love playing football. They didn't start kicking a football around in the hallway at home when they were three because they thought of money.
'That is why football players should never forget their roots. If they continue that love of the game throughout, I don't think anyone would begrudge them money.'
A detailed planning application will be submitted later this year with a target to open prior to the start of the 2013/2014 season.
Although Neville is due to begin work as a Sky Sports pundit, the 36-year-old clearly has no intention of stepping back from his barely concealed love of all things United.
'I am a fan. I have always been a fan,' he said. 'I wanted to do something for the fans and have said that publicly for the last 15 years.
'This is something I know will give me satisfaction and fulfil what I believe to be a thank you, so the fans can go and enjoy it.'
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Giggs and Beckham take centre stage at Neville's Manchester United bow
The class of 1992: Alongside current United players Giggs (second left) and Paul Scholes (right), Sir Alex Ferguson is reacquainted with Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Phill Neville
Amid that maelstrom, Giggs probably found the football pitch a place of peace.
It certainly appeared so as he drove the low cross into Wayne Rooney's path that put United ahead in Neville's testimonial against Juventus.
Rooney had been a surprise inclusion and the striker lasted half an hour before he was replaced, along with Giggs and Paul Scholes.
The latter duo are members of the famed 'Class of 92', of which Neville was also an integral part..With Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and David Beckham also reporting for duty, the sextet boasted an impressive 3,323 United appearances between them..For Beckham in particular, it was an emotional night as he pulled on the famous red jersey for the first time since he left for Real Madrid in 2003..The reception Beckham received was, if anything, more enthusiastic than the one afforded to Neville.
Surprise outing: Wayne Rooney latched on to Giggs's cross to open the scoring
Trademark: David Beckham fires in a free-kick
British bulldog: David Beckham tackles a mischievous young fan
SUPPORT ... Becks grabs fanAt times, it was like the years being rolled back as the pair combined down the right flank, as they did so often for the Red Devils in their prime.
Michael Owen, who played so often alongside Neville and Beckham for England, nodded one of the full-back's trademark crosses over.
Owen also blazed over from a Bebe cross not long after Simone Pepe had equalised for Juve.
Anderson and Rafael were introduced after the break, when Beckham curled a trademark free-kick narrowly over from the edge of the area.
Neville's night ended after 83 minutes, the former England full-back leaving the field to a well-deserved standing ovation.
By that time, Manuel Giandonato had curled home a superb winner for Juventus.
Faithful servant: Neville made 602 appearances for the Red Devils sicne his debut in 1992
It's just like the old times: Neville and Beckham combined on the right flank, while Giggs (right) embarks on a mazy run
Once a Red: Gary Neville applauds the Old Trafford faithful
IT'S CHILD'S PLAY ... Nev and family