David Beckham Was Brought To Tears When He Received Standing Ovation On Return To Old Trafford With AC Milan

It has been 11 years since David Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving for Real Madrid in the summer of 2003 - and my word, what a night it was.

On March 10th, 2010, just three weeks after Manchester United secured a historic 3-2 win in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash against AC Milan at the San Siro, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were eager to build on that narrow lead in the second-leg.

From the likes of Ronaldinho, Andrea Pirlo and Thiago Silva to Clarence Seedorf and Alessandro Nesta, the famous red and black of Milan certainly got the juices flowing that day but ultimately, it was the eagerly-anticipated return of Beckham that drew a buzzing crowd that night.

Image: PA

Beckham, who played 74 minutes against United in the first-leg, found himself on the bench on his return but with half-an-hour remaining, Leonardo decided to bring him on, much to the delight of more than 74,000 fans inside Old Trafford.

At first, a composed Beckham looked to take the moment in his stride but seconds later, after the crowd gave him an almighty reception when stadium announcer Alan Keegan called his name and number, the former United man looked incredibly emotional.

Those inside Old Traffiord were in great spirits after goals from Wayne Rooney (2) and Park Ji-Sung gave the home side a 3-0 lead with almost an hour played. Ultimately, it was a routine night for Sir Alex Ferguson's men as they eventually progressed with a 7-2 aggregate victory.

But it was the marvellous return of David Beckham that grabbed the headlines that day. In fact, after the full-time whistle, the former England captain picked up a yellow and green scarf to send fans into raptures. What a game and what a man.

Manchester United came up against Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night in a Round of 16 clash. United new boy Amad Diallo made it 1-0 with a improvised header but a late finish from Simon Kjaer gave the Italian side a crucial away goal.

Who will come out on top in the second leg?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Football, Europa League, Manchester United, David Beckham, AC Milan, Champions League

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_