Will it be all smiles in Madrid? Beckham's career in pictures

Former Manchester United stars Lou Macari, Micky Thomas and Paul Parker have come out in support of Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to sell David Beckham to Real Madrid.

Here is their verdict on the biggest transfer story of the summer:

"I am a great believer in Sir Alex's ability. He knows when players should move on from Old Trafford.

"It is very rare former players leave Old Trafford and come back to haunt them and I don't believe Beckham will either.

"When you play for United you know the rules and you know what the manager is like.

"If you rub Sir Alex up the wrong way, there is only going to be one winner and one loser."

"Whenever top people leave others have questioned, but the club have gone on and won doubles and trebles.

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"Sir Alex Ferguson's record speaks for itself. He got rid of Mark Hughes and people said 'who's going to replace him?' Then Andy Cole comes in and sets a new goalscoring record.

"And it will put the wind up the other players as well - the gaffer is fearless.

"This a major challenge for Beckham, it's a big test for him. I watched Real Madrid play on Sunday and they play with so much pace.

"I wonder how he can be a regular in that side because he doesn't play that way.

"But maybe they are looking for a new dimension. If he proves himself over there he deserves every credit he gets."

"The manager is one of the best in the world and whatever decision he made was the best for the football club.

"The one man the fans have to back is Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I am sure he already has a replacement in mind and I am sure the people coming through the door will be top class."