MANCHESTER: David Beckham could return to Old Trafford to play in his friend Gary Neville's testimonial when Manchester United face Juventus on May 24.
Nicky Butt and Phil Neville are set to play in the match, a repeat of the 1999 Champions League semifinal, as are Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
They, like Beckham and Gary Neville, were all members of United's celebrated 'Class of 92', a youth side that produced players who would later appear in the trophy-winning senior teams put together by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Former England skipper Beckham, now with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a US Major League Soccer side, has not pulled on a United shirt since leaving the club for Real Madrid in 2003.
When Ferguson brought several young players into the first team at once, former Liverpool captain turned television pundit Alan Hansen declared: "You'll never win anything with kids."
However, the stars of the 'Class of 92' helped bring six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League, which capped a treble-winning season, to Old Trafford.
"I have been fortunate to work with many exceptional young players, but the class of 92 was unique," Ferguson said.
"For so many of them to stay together and succeed at the highest level is a great tribute to their talent and this club's belief in the power of youth.
"I am convinced that no group of players will ever make such an impact on the English game as those boys have done - and continue to do."
Butt, who left United for Newcastle in 2004 and has just returned from a brief spell in Hong Kong, added: "When Gary asked me to play in his game I immediately said yes, especially when I heard that the class of 92 were going to be there too.
"It was a special time for all of us growing up and it is only now as you look back that you actually see what an amazing story it is."
Neville's brother Phil, who joined Everton in 2005, said: "I am so excited to be going back to Old Trafford to celebrate what will be an amazing night for my brother.
"It will be an emotional night for all the family but what a fitting way for Gary to bow out of a fantastic career.
"He will go down as the best full-back to play at Manchester United and he will miss pulling on the red shirt as I know how much it means to him."
Gary Neville, 36, will end his 18-year United career with United against Italian giants Juventus.
He played his final senior game at West Brom in January, when he was fortunate to escape a red card for the second time this season.
In total Neville, who made his United debut as a 17-year-old against Torpedo Moscow, made 602 appearances for the club he has supported all his life, won eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and the 1999 Champions League.
In addition, the defender won 85 England caps.
Nicky Butt and Phil Neville are set to play in the match, a repeat of the 1999 Champions League semifinal, as are Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
They, like Beckham and Gary Neville, were all members of United's celebrated 'Class of 92', a youth side that produced players who would later appear in the trophy-winning senior teams put together by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Former England skipper Beckham, now with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a US Major League Soccer side, has not pulled on a United shirt since leaving the club for Real Madrid in 2003.
When Ferguson brought several young players into the first team at once, former Liverpool captain turned television pundit Alan Hansen declared: "You'll never win anything with kids."
However, the stars of the 'Class of 92' helped bring six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League, which capped a treble-winning season, to Old Trafford.
"I have been fortunate to work with many exceptional young players, but the class of 92 was unique," Ferguson said.
"For so many of them to stay together and succeed at the highest level is a great tribute to their talent and this club's belief in the power of youth.
"I am convinced that no group of players will ever make such an impact on the English game as those boys have done - and continue to do."
Butt, who left United for Newcastle in 2004 and has just returned from a brief spell in Hong Kong, added: "When Gary asked me to play in his game I immediately said yes, especially when I heard that the class of 92 were going to be there too.
"It was a special time for all of us growing up and it is only now as you look back that you actually see what an amazing story it is."
Neville's brother Phil, who joined Everton in 2005, said: "I am so excited to be going back to Old Trafford to celebrate what will be an amazing night for my brother.
"It will be an emotional night for all the family but what a fitting way for Gary to bow out of a fantastic career.
"He will go down as the best full-back to play at Manchester United and he will miss pulling on the red shirt as I know how much it means to him."
Gary Neville, 36, will end his 18-year United career with United against Italian giants Juventus.
He played his final senior game at West Brom in January, when he was fortunate to escape a red card for the second time this season.
In total Neville, who made his United debut as a 17-year-old against Torpedo Moscow, made 602 appearances for the club he has supported all his life, won eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and the 1999 Champions League.
In addition, the defender won 85 England caps.
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