David Beckham's true colours shine as admission is made about Man Utd icon
After making headlines in 2018 with the establishment of the Major League Soccer side, Beckham has been instrumental to Miami ever since.
Under his ownership the squad now has an assembly of stellar talents, including Lionel Messi. The World Cup-winning legend has also been joined by his former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets in the MLS.
But it's not just the stars who feel Beckham's influence. Fray has praised the former England captain's egalitarian approach, as he's often spotted at the training grounds and is a regular fixture at matches.
"Yeah, he's good," Fray told Mirror US Sports. "He's been here quite a few times and he says hi to everyone in the morning. If you want something, you can go and ask him at any time. He gives you his number so you can text him if you need anything. He's a great guy."
This past week has been particularly momentous for the 50-year-old. Honoured by King Charles in the Birthday Honours list, for his contribution to sport and numerous charitable deeds, Beckham is now known as Sir David, reports the Mirror.
The ex-Real Madrid star then showed his unwavering commitment to his team, turning up for Miami's Club World Cup debut at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami just a day after being honoured by the King in London.
Speaking to DAZN on the day of the game, Beckham said: "'It's been an emotional week I must admit. For me and for my family.
"It's obviously very special. It's a huge honour, but one that has been shared with myself and my family and so, it's been emotional."
Miami have been drawn in a group with Egyptian outfit Al Ahly, Brazilian side Palmeiras, and Portugal's FC Porto at FIFA's revamped Club World Cup. Before kicking off their campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Al Ahly on Sunday, Fray shared his belief that they can make an impact in the tournament.
"We had a really strong week of practice last week, it's been super hot here. I think we are definitely ready," the 22-year-old said. "Once we heard we were in from even last year, we were looking forward to this. Everyone looks at MLS as a lower league - we want to go in and make a statement and show that we can hang with whoever."
Miami will next play Porto on Thursday as they aim for their first win of the competition. The Club World Cup also features Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.
Enzo Maresca's team get their campaign underway on Monday evening against Los Angeles FC. Pep Guardiola's team meet Moroccan outfit Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday afternoon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The 42
2 hours ago
- The 42
Ciaran Meenagh set to become the next Derry manager
DERRY COUNTY BOARD are set to appoint Ciaran Meenagh as their new senior football manager in the coming days. Meenagh had previously taken charge of Derry in the 2023 season after then-manager Rory Gallagher had to 'step back' from managing the team after allegations of domestic abuse. The Police Service of Northern Ireland investigated the allegations against Gallagher, and forwarded two files to Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS), but no charges were brought. Gallagher continues to 'firmly and steadfastly' deny the allegations. Under Meenagh, Derry beat Armagh in the 2023 Ulster final by way of a penalty shootout. They then went on to top their group stages by drawing with Monaghan before beating Donegal and Clare. They beat Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-final before going down to Kerry on a 1-17 to 1-15 scoreline in a breathtaking semi-final. Meenagh, a teacher in St Colm's in Draperstown, then left Derry and took up a role as Down selector in Conor Laverty's backroom team for the last two seasons. However, following Paddy Tally's departure from the post, the Loughmacrory man is set to take on his first permanent role as manager. He will become Derry's third consecutive manager from Tyrone following Tally and Mickey Harte. Advertisement It is strongly suspected that former Ulster-winning captain and All-Star Chrissy McKaigue will come into his management team, along with former forward Benny Heron. Meanwhile, Antrim are poised to appoint their former team selector, Paddy Bradley, as their replacement for Andy McEntee. Paddy Bradley. John McVitty / INPHO John McVitty / INPHO / INPHO McEntee had done three seasons with Antrim, who got to the 2009 Ulster final under the guidance of Paddy's father, Liam 'Baker' Bradley. Paddy Bradley has taken a number of management roles around Ulster including a successful period in charge of Dunloy footballers and his own club, Glenullin. He is believed to have assembled a backroom team of fellow Derry men Paul McFlynn (who has previously been with Antrim and was with Derry last year) and Barry Dillon, along with Paul Rouse of Tyrone, who has worked with Dillon at the University of Ulster GAA Academy. Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd in Nicolas Jackson transfer boost with Chelsea striker snubbing two European giants to stay in Premier League
MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in the chase for Nicolas Jackson after he snubbed two European giants - but they will have to pay Chelsea £80m for the striker. The Senegalese ace has already turned down offers from Napoli and AC Milan in preference of staying in the Premier League. 5 Nicolas Jackson now has a fight on his hands to keep his Chelsea spot Credit: Getty 5 Jackson first came to the limelight when playing under Unai Emery Credit: Getty 5 Jackson could be set for a shock exit from Chelsea this summer Jackson has seen his once-undisputed starting spot at Liam Delap , who turned down a move to Old Trafford in favour of joining Stamford Bridge . Cole Palmer stole the show to lead Chelsea to Club World Cup victory. Jackson's misery was compounded by the fact that he was left on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of that historic win —perhaps as punishment for being sent off twice in his previous four appearances for the club. READ MORE ON MAN UTD The former AC Milan have also made their intentions clear, though sources say the player loves playing in England and would prefer to stay in the Premier League if he were to move. He still has seven years remaining on his current deal and Chelsea would ideally like to have two No9s competing for minutes and pushing each other to the limit. But the transfer window is very fluid and a project like that of Manchester United's could be of interest to the player. And if the £80m valuation is met, it could tempt Chelsea into a sale. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Aston Villa manager Unai Emery still has a special relationship with Jackson from their time together at Villarreal. He is a big fan of the forward's ability to link up play and sources have told SunSport that Villa have asked to be informed if the player becomes available. Chelsea hunting Morgan Rogers as Garnacho and £100m Jackson wanted by Villa | Transfers Exposed Last season, Jackson bagged ten league goals from 30 games and provided five assists as Chelsea finished fourth and secured Champions League football . He was also on target as they came from behind to beat Real Betis and win the UEFA Conference League. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expressed confidence in Jackson last season when he said he would like to "clone" the striker if the club were to sign another forward. Speaking in a press conference in April, he said: 'With Nico, we are a completely different team compared to when he was injured. We are happy with Nico as our striker. " My perfect No9 is exactly Nico Jackson. We already have a No9. It's not the summer now. If we can have a copy of Nico, it's OK. With Nico, we are a better team. Nico is the one we need.' Jackson is currently back in Senegal for his holidays after a long season but there should be clarity over his long-term future in the coming weeks. 5
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Owen Farrell opens door to England return after sidestepping social media ‘poison'
Owen Farrell is considering making himself available for England again despite the social media 'poison' that contributed to him stepping back from Test rugby last year. Farrell, who has been picked as captain of the British & Irish Lions in their final midweek tour game, now says he would love to emulate Johnny Sexton and keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible. Farrell, who will turn 34 in September, has not played for England since the 2023 World Cup but has loved his involvement on the current Lions tour of Australia and sounds more open to the idea, if selected, of rejoining the England fold than at any stage since announcing his intention to take a break from international rugby 'to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing.' Several of Farrell's Lions colleagues, having seen him slot seamlessly back into a leadership role since replacing the injured Elliot Daly this month, have asked the former England captain about his future plans and he freely admits to being inspired by the example of Sexton, who was still playing for Ireland at the age of 38. 'I'm determined to enjoy what I'm doing and love every minute of however long that I've got left,' said Farrell, who will start at 12 for the Lions against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday. 'I'm not old yet. Johnny played forever and I'm obviously a half-back as well. There's loads left in us and I'm just determined to enjoy it. I've come back to make the most of what I am doing. We'll see what happens.' Farrell, sounding as upbeat in public as he has done in many years, has now returned to Saracens after an ill-starred and injury-hit spell at Racing 92 and is clearly relishing his fourth Lions tour since being called up by his father, Andy. His selection prompted a significant reaction on social media, however, and Farrell Jr admits he has not always found the attention easy to cope with. 'There's times where people can say this, that and the other and it just goes over your head. And there's times where you're not in the best place of all time and you're almost waiting for something to set you off. 'I understand that it's different now. I understand that times are different … sometimes [social media] catches fire and just takes a life of its own. It goes wherever it goes and there's momentum behind it. "But I don't always understand it, no. If you go and knock on someone's door and ask them their opinion of how you played at the weekend, you wouldn't really listen to their answer. Both [good and bad reactions on social media] are a poison. "That's not to say it's all bad but the things that should matter to me and to us as players are the people that matter to us. 'The people I think we should listen to are proper rugby people. Your mates … they'll give you a real answer. If you're in a good place yourself then you can deal with it. There's obviously a lot of external factors that can creep in but ultimately it's up to me how I am. "Making sure I'm looking after myself, making sure I'm giving myself a break at times. I'm not someone who needs revving up too much. It's normally the other way, of coming back down and relaxing. So having some perspective and making sure I look after myself in that way will, I think, lead to me being more myself.' If Farrell does return to the England fold it will further increase the options available to the head coach, Steve Borthwick. Fly-halves Fin Smith and Marcus Smith are both on tour alongside Farrell in Australia while George Ford has just reached 100 caps while steering his country to victories against Argentina and the United States. For now, though, Farrell is more intent on serving the Lions than fixating on his own prospects of featuring in the last two Tests. 'I think the most important thing is that I come here, be myself and then see where that goes,' said Farrell, chosen as midweek captain by his father ahead of the Wales captain Jac Morgan and England's Jamie George. And I mean that genuinely. I'm not saying that but don't mean it. We'll see what happens.' The Lions are also collectively keen to extend their winning momentum ahead of Saturday's second Test against the Wallabies following their 27-19 victory in Brisbane. 'Obviously there is going to be a reaction from the weekend,' said Farrell. 'We need to be ready for that and more.' Those who know Farrell best of all, however, are convinced the Lions have a 'Test match animal' at their disposal if needed. 'The better we train as a non-23 team, the better prepared the Test team are going to be and he has driven that massively,' said George, delighted to be back in the same dressing room as his Saracens teammate. 'He's unbelievably impressive. You don't play with him for a year and it still takes your breath away.' Guardian
