BECKHAM CRISIS AT OLD TRAFFORD
Posted on:Wednesday Aug 19, 2001

David Beckham was the last-gasp hero as Manchester United's European campaign got off to a winning start. Becks fired home in the final minute as United pulled off a great escape in their opening Champions League clash.
And the midfield star admitted: "That is a relief. It was so important for us to get our first game out the way with a win.
"We could have played better but some games go like that. But we kept on going and got our just desserts.
"Each player worked hard and you will always snatch a breakthrough if that happens. People assumed it would be a walkover Ebut we didn't. We knew Lille would battle hard and make it difficult for us."
National skipper Beckham, 26, is now hoping United's results and performances will mirror England's recent spell of success.
He said: "Everyone knows how well England have been going and United have to do the same.
"This was not the prettiest football match but a win is a win."
Old Trafford manager Alex Ferguson was pleased with the calm approach shown by his side as they worked for their breakthrough in this Group G curtain-raiser.
Ferguson, 59, said: "We needed time and patience and, in the end, patience got its own reward.
"This is a good start to the campaign. And I think I will sleep tonight as there was less abandon about our game. There was a far more measured approach to it.
"But we needed to gamble in the last 20 minutes and stepped up the tempo.
"I was not surprised by the French because, after watching videos of them, I knew they had a wonderful team spirit."