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Ferguson wary of Beckham 'media circus'

(GSM) - David Beckham's return to Old Trafford will add some spice to the confrontation between Milan and Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson will warn his players not to get caught up in the 'David Beckham media circus'.

"Our job is to concentrate on the football match and let the David Beckham media circus carry on," Ferguson told United's club magazine. "He's such a high-profile celebrity - not just a high-profile footballer - and we haven't really seen anybody else return to the club in that situation."

Beckham is in his second loan spell at Milan. The 34-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy player hopes his performances will persuade England boss Fabio Capello to include him in the squad for this summer's World Cup.

"I think I told him myself last year when I saw him before our game against Inter that he should be thinking about getting back to Europe if he wanted to go to the World Cup," said Ferguson.

"It looks like he might just get his wish now. He had a good spell with Milan last time, so it made sense to me to see him back there again."

Manchester United and Milan will face each other on February 16 and March 10. United starts with an away match. "The European Cup is always special to us and we've had some marvellous nights at Old Trafford. I just hope we have another one.

"We're away from home in the first leg, which won't be easy, but I'm certain the tie will be decided back at Old Trafford."