Help the aged

Manchester United should resign David Beckham.

There, i said it!!

And this is coming from someone who is by far and away NOT a member of his fanclub and never was. Not even in the 1990s.

Now I understand that most football fans would see this as a ludicrous statement. A step backwards. Signing a 34 years old man who is clearly past his triumphant best. No longer with that incredible engine. Not being able to take on the full back in that wide right position. Maybe not even being able to cover the full back when he gets forward. It would be an unmitigated tactical disaster.

That is, if you played him wide right.

I still think that as a footballer, Mr Beckham has alot to offer. His performances for AC Milan last season were interesting. Playing in a more narrow role, with the play in front of him. Giving him time to move into a wider position to whip in one of his trademark crosses when the opposition's defence had retreated under pressure. But essentially playing in a central midfield 3...something United have done many times last season, when we have played a lone central striker, and Rooney wide left.

Now I understand that United fans worship the 4-4-2 formation. "Its the United way" they holler. And in the main I agree. But I also like United to have the personnel to play 4-3-3 and 4-5-1. When we have played with a narrow midfield, we have lacked something (see the Champions League Final...Anderson, Carrick and Giggs. Our obvious choice of players to execute this system, all looking lost, not playing tight enough in the middle. Not confident enough to just sit and face the opposition man for man, hanging a tad deeper when needed) Beckham would give us this passing expertise and midfield know-how to play these formations better.

Now age is a problem, but I don't see David as a long term solution. We have a very young squad. Bringing in someone who knows the pressures of United, has played well over a hundred times on the international arena, and would walk over hot coals to see United win, is just the sort of player we need...TODAY! No bedding in for Beckham, no difficult first season, no Berbatov. He is an instant quality addition to the squad for the short term. Henrik Larsson has proved this can be done. It is not impossible.

The main issue is fee and wages. The talk is that he would be made available at around the £11 million mark. The addition of the David Beckham brand to any club means that this fee is chicken feed. Even two years of his service would be worth twice as much as that fee, in merchandise. So because of this the fee is inconsequential. His wages? I would bet you now, he would take a huge cut to rejoin our team. He loves United. He would probably settle for a pay as you play deal, like Michael Owen.

However, in the real world there is one stumbling block. The manager would NEVER go for any of this! And that is where this idea ends. Fergie admits he was wrong to sell Jaap Stam as he thought he was passed his best. However, he was correct in selling Beckham at the time. The bright lights had started to blind the player's eyes and it was time to cash in and move him on.

But this is different

I do not really buy into all of this "United need a destructive midfielder" We have Fletcher and Hargreaves (fitness permitting) to facilitate these roles. Until one of these two are no longer available for selection then we can wait. But a ball playing, passing and creative type? Yes. We could do with one of them. And do we need a free kick and set piece specialist? Yes. Indeed we do.

And for now...just FOR NOW...Beckham could be the answer.

Good enough for the Milan shirt. Good enough for ours?