World Kick Off

In perhaps one of the most ironic twists in this dramatic transfer saga, former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at United despite overtures from the Spanish capital...

Beckham, now of Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy, moved from Manchester United to Madrid in 2003 after something of a falling out between he and manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo was bought from Sporting Lisbon that same summer and given Beckham's number seven - formerly belonging to King Eric Cantona and a host of other United legends.

While Beckham could not emulate his United success with los Merengues, Ronaldo has, after a few years of bedding in, grown to be one of if not the best player in the world, sealing that status with a goal in United's Champions League win last month in Moscow, as part of a double with the club's second successive Premier League.

Beckham has urged Ronaldo to stay with the Red Devils insisting that, unlike himself, the Portuguese is still very much at the beginning of his United career, despite having been there for five years.

"I believe he's at the right club and a club he should stay at because as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," explained Beckham.

"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him. As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there but who knows?

"It's none of my business. All I'm going to say to him is congratulations on an amazing season. I'm sure he'll be crowned world player of the year and he deserves it."

Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com