Sport 14-12-2001 D-Day For Beckham And Ferguson who: David Beckham what: Is angry at being left out of United squad for three consecutive games, claims "friend" where: Old Trafford, MANCHESTER when: Yesterday snippet: Friends of David Beckham say that he is furious with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at being left out of the squad for three consecutive games, reports The Guardian today. "He won`t say anything publicly to criticise Sir Alex," says an unnamed source close to the player, "but privately he`s despondent. He`s spitting blood. He feels Fergie`s playing power games." The Sun says that if Beckham is left out of United`s clash with Middlesbrough tomorrow, he will have a "showdown" with Ferguson over his future at the club. With just 18 months left on his contract, the player is valued at around £40million and reporter David Mcdonnell expects AC Milan to be "leading the chase" if Beckham goes on the transfer market. The England captain, who was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year at the weekend and is in the running for the World Player of the Year award next week, "could have more to lose with ongoing contract negotiations at Old Trafford due to take place next week," says the BBC. "It has been widely reported that the Manchester United board are unhappy over the subject of image rights which supplement Beckham`s income." [... more]

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