Beckham picked for Man Utd return

David Beckham is set to return to Old Trafford to play for a Europe XI against Manchester United.

UEFA's technical director Andy Roxburgh confirmed that Beckham has been invited - and cleared by his club, Real Madrid - to play in the prestigious charity match at Old Trafford. The friendly on 13 March will mark 50 years of a united Europe - the Treaty of Rome having been signed on 25 March 1957 - and also 50 years of Manchester United playing in European competition.

Former Scotland boss Roxburgh is assisting Marcello Lippi in the mouthwatering task of picking a team from the 52 European nations. The Scot stressed that disruption to clubs will be kept to a minimum, with coaches like Barcelona's Frank Rijkaard and Lyon's Gerard Houllier typically sending one or two players apiece to join in the jubilee celebration.

Lippi said at a press conference after Saturday´s Manchester derby: "I accepted the invitation immediately. I´m delighted by the prospect of such a game and I am already looking forward to taking on my great friend Sir Alex Ferguson."

Source: Manutd.com/BBCi