From The Archives: The greatest Beckham moments

In this week’s edition of From the Archives we take a look at the most unforgettable moments in David Beckham’s Old Trafford career.

A legend of the club, fans still rue the club selling him to Real Madrid despite the heavy price tag we received for him. Yes, the fall out with Sir Alex was unfortunate but the number of forgettable moments of Dave is negligible compared to the tons of memories the Englishman has left us with.

THE NAME IS BECKHAM

Beckham was far from a household name that he is today at the start of the 1996-97 season. On opening day, United travelled to Selhurst Park to play Wimbledon and in no time were cruising by two goals to nothing. But the moment of the match, and quite possibly that season, was yet to come. It came when the ball was picked up by Beckham in his own half and his tremendous vision saw him spot the opposition keeper off the goal line. The delicious shot from behind the half way line looped over the keeper and rippled into the back of the net. It was a stunning goal and the ball seemed to move in ultra-slow motion once in mid-air.

World, meet David!

YOUTH CUP WINNERS

One of the fondest memories Beckham has of United is winning the FA Youth Cup alongside the other graduates of the Class of 1992. He scored the second goal in the first leg win over Palace in the Final. His performances in the tournament led to a first-team bow in September 1992.

World football has never been the same.

THE TREBLE

United’s greatest season in 1998-99 saw Beckham play a major role in the Starting XI helping the side win glory domestically, in the Cup and become Continental Champions. It was David who swung in both the late corners in Barcelona that ended up in the back of the net as United turned around a 1-0 deficit in stoppage time. Beckham had an incredible year individually as he narrowly finished runner up in both the European and World Player of the Year Awards to Rivaldo.

THE MADRID GOAL

This was the goal that convinced Real that they had to sign the superstar that Beckham was. Picking the ball up outside the penalty box, feints past three Madrid defenders and the bullet that ripped the net. Wow. It does not get better than this does it. It is considered by Beckham to be one of the better goals he has scored in his career and there have quite a few screamers.

THE GOODBYE GOALS

The last goal Beckham ever scored for United was a stunning free kick effort against Everton after scoring the opener against Charlton in his Old Trafford farewell a week prior. The former goal was a thing of beauty as Beckham bent-it-like-Beckham from the top of the box. The ball curled away from the keeper and nestled in the back of the net like so many of his freekicks. United lifted the Premier League title that day. It was Beckham’s sixth and his last for the club.