Beckham: I want to beat United

David Beckham last night promised AC Milan fans he was preparing to inflict a devastating Champions League defeat on Manchester United at the San Siro tonight.

Beckham is expected to start the first leg of the second round showdown for Milan against the side he has supported since he was a boy.

The former United hero has made no secret of his continuing affection for the club but said he would put that to the back of his mind for 90 minutes here.

"This is an emotional time for me," Beckham said at Milan's Milanello training ground.

"I have never played against Manchester United before in the seven years since I left the club.

"So this is the first time I am going to want Manchester United to lose. It is a strange feeling but I am a Milan player and I want us to progress to the next stage of the Champions League."

Beckham insisted that he did not have any scores to settle with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson despite the way they fell out before Beckham was sold to Real Madrid in 2003.

And Beckham also repeated his promise to United fans that he would not celebrate if he scored against them even though teammate Clarence Seedorf has urged him to reconsider.

Fans in Italy are used to similar shows of respect from players towards their former teams. Ex-Italy great Roberto Baggio once even refused to take a penalty for Juventus against his former club Fiorentina.

"I would be pleased to score, of course, and if I do, it would be amazing," Beckham said. "But out of respect for Manchester United and their fans, I would not celebrate.

"I don't want the Milan fans to think I wouldn't be excited, though. It's just that I spent a long time at United and the fans were always brilliant with me. I want to repay them with my respect."