Beckham: I'm staying put

Last night he agreed that Ferguson had been right to leave him out, saying: 'I think I did, deep down, need a rest. I'd never admit it to myself or anyone else but deep down I did. All players need a rest. My situation has been well documented this week and of course I want to play every game. But that's not possible.

'When the manager decides to leave you on the bench you respect that. I am not going to question the manager for whatever he does - it's his decision and I respect it.

Beckham disagreed with Ferguson's assertion that six League defeats have ruled United out of the title race.

'We are having a little blip at the moment,' he said. 'But we have to believe we can still be in with a chance. We have made it an uphill task for ourselves but we'll wait and see.

'I can't put my finger on why it has happened, it is just one of those things. But this team will come together and will stay together as a team.'

Beckham had previously admitted some concern about who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford when the Scot retires at the end of the season.

It would appear that he is prepared to sign a contract before finding out who the next manager will be and is focusing instead on next summer's World Cup Finals in Korea and Japan.

He said: 'It's going to be an interesting year as it is Sir Alex's last at the club and it's going to be very interesting to see who takes over his role next year.'

Beckham's award on Sunday night capped a triumphant 12 months which climaxed with him hitting the brilliant last-gasp equaliser against Greece at Old Trafford that sealed England's place in the Finals.

He said: 'I have to say the draw against Greece was the highlight for me.

'Every one was an important game but I was lucky to play in that Greece game and score that goal.

'It was a dream come true for me to score the goal that took my country through to the World Cup Finals and to be captain and to do it at the club you have supported your whole life.

'But it is a team thing and that's what it has been since after we lost that game at home to Germany at Wembley in October 2000. We have come together and done well.'

Chelsea last night ruled out the possibility of Marcel Desailly being drafted in to solve United's defensive crisis.

The France defender had been linked with Old Trafford but Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson said: 'I spoke with Marcel today and he told me that this was a lot of nonsense.

'Marcel is happy at Chelsea and that is where he's staying.'