Sir Alex to return to management at Old Trafford

Beckham revealed that he was scared to ask Ferguson, but that the Scot was delighted to be involved and is now eager to return to the technical area at Old Trafford.

"The conversation for the game wasn't actually a tough conversation," Beckham said.

"Thinking 'I have to ring the manager to ask him' was more worrying than actually asking him to be involved in this.

"I knew how much of a supporter of the UNICEF organisation he is and how Manchester United have supported them over the years.

"I knew it wouldn't be a difficult thing for him to get involved in because he has been a great supporter over the years."

Beckham also spoke of the memories he has of serving Ferguson at United, recalling his first day at the club.

"I was in one of the corporate boxes with the manager," he said.

"We had a nice dinner then we went into his office.

"I remember having a blazer on with gold buttons and I'd been given a Man United tie at the time.

"It was actually my birthday, so we had a cake. There is a picture of me and the manager signing my papers."