Fergie factor would always haunt Becks

Well, what now for David Beckham?

I wouldn’t be surprised if he fancies becoming a manager, but that will never happen in Europe.

And that means it seems inevitable he will buy a team franchise in the USA.

I thought the only place he might become involved in coaching would have been Manchester United.

If Davie Moyes got in touch to ask Becks to take a role, it would be something he’d find very hard to turn down.

Although he’s become a worldwide football icon, I believe his heart still lies at Old Trafford.

But there are two problems one specific to the Reds and one that will follow him around the globe.

United, I’m sure, will do very little on the playing side without running it past Sir Alex Ferguson. He may have retired as boss but he will still have a massive influence at the club.

And I can’t see him being in favour of having Beckham back.

Partly because of the history between the two but also because of a factor that would see most big teams shy away from the former midfielder.

Quite simply, ‘Brand Beckham’ would be in competition with the club’s own marketing strategy.

Outfits like Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich worked hard to open up lucrative commercial deals around the world. It’s the reason they undertake pre-season trips to Asia and North America.

They couldn’t have a manager whose own brand is bigger than theirs.

His image has been cultivated quite brilliantly by the marketing men.

So Beckham’s future is likely to lie in areas where football has still to make a major breakthrough.

The USA is an obvious one because of his time at LA Galaxy, and there’s China as well.

As someone who’s immensely proud of being England’s most-capped outfield player, he might also do work for the FA as an ambassador.

Where do we rank Beckham the player now that he’s hung up the boots?

For me he’s not quite up there with people like Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, Cruyff, Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Charlton, George Best or Pele.

Like Kevin Keegan, he worked incredibly hard to maximise his talents.

And he was quite brilliant when it came to crosses and free-kicks.

Remember that he was really loved at AC Milan, where he had two loan spells during his time in the States.

Ultimately, Brand Beckham will probably overshadow his playing career and that’s a shame.