David Beckham admits being ‘in awe’ of Pep Guardiola and Man City’s success

David Beckham admits he is 'in awe' of the success Pep Guardiola has achieved at Manchester City.

And Beckham insists the English champions and Treble winners have set the standards – both on and off the pitch – that Manchester United now have to follow. Beckham experienced different times in Manchester during his glorious career with United. He won 12 major trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, including a famous Treble of his own back in 1999.

Beckham admits United were then the top dogs in English football. But he knows that tag now belongs to United's bitter rivals and neighbours – and fears his former club will continue to live in the shadow of the reigning champions unless there are big changes at Old Trafford.

Beckham reckons United have been neglected under the ownership of the Glazers.

READ MORE: David Silva announces retirement from football after Man City legend's devastating injury

The former England captain, who left United to join Real Madrid in 2003, said: "The club does need investment, whether it's the training facility, stadium, or on the field.

"These kinds of big things need to be made and changes do need to happen, especially when you see the likes of Manchester City and what they're doing. It's not just about what they're winning. You can see that Manchester City are building for the future, not just from season to season.

Could you one day see Pep Guardiola takeover at Inter Miami? Let us know in the comments section below

"They've got stability with Pep (Guardiola), who I am in awe of. We (United) were the top of the tree, we were winning everything, the ones who were successful and the ones where the players wanted to come."

Beckham, meanwhile, has revealed he had no choice but to sack close friend and former team-mate Phil Neville as Inter Miami boss last month. Beckham rang Neville to tell him the bad news, with his club bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference.

Follow the Daily Star on Threads

He added: "Yes, we have a great brand, but the most important thing is what we do on the pitch. Unfortunately as an owner, you realise you have to make tough decisions. I thought it was the right time to make a change.

"I've known Phil for a long, long time, so bringing him in was an important move and he did an incredible job over the couple of years he was here, with the players and the staff. He brought a seriousness that we didn't have. But on the field, we weren't quite right and, unfortunately, we felt there needed to be a change. He knew it was coming – and took it like a gentleman".

Source: Read Full Article