Beckham desperate to dump Man United out, warns Neville

David Beckham will be desperate to beat Manchester United tomorrow, warns his old mate Gary Neville.

Neville has been speaking to Beckham in the build-up to United's Champions League showdown with AC Milan and says he is up for his first clash against his old club.

Despite the England star's much-stated love for United, Neville knows he will be focused on trying to beat the Reds in the San Siro.

"The fans remember the fact that he publicly said he doesn't want to play for any other club in England," said the United skipper. "He grew up as a Manchester United fan and played so well for the club.

"But Becks always gives his utmost in any match he plays, irrespective of the opponents. He's a true professional and wants to do well for his club.

"I spoke to him when the draw was made and he was very excited about returning to Old Trafford. He'll get a great reception and I'm sure it will be a special night for him."

Neville has seen all the hype surrounding Beckham facing United seven years on from his exit following his bitter fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson.

And he says no-one at Old Trafford will let it deflect them from their goal of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

"Beckham's presence does not distract from the importance of the match," said Neville. "It's the first time he's facing Manchester United since he's left, so the media are going to hype it up and market it before the game.

"Of course, it's a good story that he's returning to face us seven years after such a good career with Manchester United. But I think once the match starts nobody will be thinking about it.

"We have played against former team-mates like my brother, Phil, and Nicky Butt, so you get used to it.

"It may be stranger for Beckham and we wish him all the best. I spoke to him last week, but we didn't discuss Tuesday's game."

United have lost all four of their previous ties against Milan, dating back to 1958, and Neville admits they will miss Ryan Giggs, who is out with a broken elbow.

"It's disappointing to have Giggsy out injured for four weeks," he said. "It's going to be difficult without a player like Giggsy with such experience and quality. He's been playing extremely well for us, especially in the big games, providing great passes and scoring goals.

"It's a big blow, but at the beginning of the season you have to prepare yourself for injuries that come at the worst moments. The 22-man squad has to be utilised throughout the season.

"It's going to be a difficult match on Tuesday and AC Milan always rise to the challenge of playing in the European Cup.

"The good thing is we're playing the first leg away from home. Away goals can help you relax in the home tie - a 1-1 or 2-2 score is better than a goalless match, although we'll be trying to win in Milan."

Dimitar Berbatov is desperate to beat Milan and taste Champions League glory after the bitter experience of losing in two finals.

Berbatov lost in 2002 with Bayer Leverkusen before last season's heartache against Barcelona and has revealed he supported Milan as a kid because they were the team of his idol Marco van Basten.

"Two times, two losses for me and then you have players who have won it, like, four times," said the Bulgarian international.

"When I was in my first final, I was 19 and I didn't pay much attention to that stuff. The second time, when we lost against Barcelona, it was very disappointing.

"I want to be there again and I'm sure we will be. Winning the Champions League is something I have dreamed about all my life."