David Beckham may feature in Gary Neville testimonial
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Your support makes all the difference.David Beckham is considering an invitation to complete the famed 'Class of 92' by returning for Gary Neville's testimonial at Old Trafford on May 24.
Nicky Butt and Phil Neville have already confirmed they will play for Manchester United against Juventus in a repeat of the 1999 Champions League semi-final and with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs certain to be involved, it leaves just Beckham to agree to an emotional reunion with five team-mates who shared in so much of Manchester United's recent glory.
Beckham is not expected to make a final decision about whether to pull on a United shirt for the first time since his departure in 2003 until next week.
However, it would be a surprise if he wasn't involved given Neville was best man at his wedding to Victoria and the pair have remained close ever since.
Prior to Beckham's exit for Real Madrid, the five players had been involved in countless trophy-winning exploits since their emergence en masse in 1995.
Although they had all made their debuts before that, it was not until then that Sir Alex Ferguson gave the first indication that he was so convinced about their qualities he was prepared to make them the bedrock of his team.
Respected pundit Alan Hansen was not impressed, famously declaring: "You'll never win anything with kids."
Six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the European Cup, which capped an unprecedented treble in 1999, proved the folly of Hansen's words and ensured 'the Class of 92' earned an indelible place in English football history.
"One of the greatest privileges of being a manager is playing part in the development of young players - watching them grow in confidence and ability," said Ferguson.
"I have been fortunate to work with many exceptional young players, but the class of 92 was unique.
"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."
There could be a further blast from the past with fellow class of 92 member, Robbie Savage, providing some pre-match entertainment in his own inimitable way.
Neville's 1999 treble-winning team-mates Ronny Johnsen, Henning Berg and Dwight Yorke are also set to be involved, although it is the appearance of old friends that will attract the greatest interest.
"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," said Butt, who left United for Newcastle in 2004 and has just returned from a short stint in Hong Kong.
"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 and has engaged in some amusing banter with his elder sibling on the social networking site Twitter, is also looking forward to the encounter with Juventus.
"I am so excited to be going back to Old Trafford to celebrate what will be an amazing night for my brother," he said.
"It will be an emotional night for all the family but what a fitting way for Gary to bow out of a fantastic career.
"Gary always looked up to Juventus as the team to emulate so it's great that the game will be against them.
"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 testimonial, Manchester United v Juventus, Tuesday, May 24. 7.30pm kick-off.
Tickets available by contacting 0161 868 8000 or through www.manutd.co.uk
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