Curbishley: United will rue selling Becks

14 April 2012

Alan Curbishley believes that Sir Alex Ferguson will live to regret selling David Beckham. Curbishley is a great admirer of the Manchester United manager, who has been a help to him throughout his managerial career, but is convinced he was wrong to allow Beckham to join Real Madrid.

United visit The Valley tomorrow and Curbishley knows they will present a formidable challenge, even without the England captain.

He said: "I'm one of the people who thinks United are going to miss Beckham this season - he scores 10 goals a year and he makes 10 goals a year. They're suffering a few injuries at the moment but I'm sure they'll still be able to put out a really strong side.

''When they're all fit I think they've got a squad strong enough to compete on all fronts.

"I think we all take these big games a bit for granted now. We are going to see one of the best sides in Europe tomorrow and that's great."

While Ferguson must rejig his side after injuries to Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea, Curbishley's selection problems centre on one individual

Not for the first time a manager is pondering how to get the best out of Paolo Di Canio.

The fiery Italian is desperate to make his full debut tomorrow, and has been telling his team-mates in training this week that he wants to prove a point against the club that tried to buy him.

Given his record against United, Curbishley will be sorely tempted to play him from the start. Di Canio scored the famous 'offside' goal for West Ham that knocked Ferguson's side out of the FA Cup three years ago and has been spurred on in training by the prospect of a full debut against the champions.

The 35-year-old has been out of the side since picking up a knee injury in last month's 4-0 win at Wolves, but has been working hard during the international break to regain his fitness.

Captain Matt Holland has been impressed with Di Canio's commitment in training and believes he deserves an opportunity to start.

He said: "Paolo's been training really hard and scored a couple of goals in the reserves, so he's pushing for a start. His quality is obvious for everyone to see.

"He wasn't that physically fit when he arrived but has been given time and deserves his opportunity. He can give us that little bit extra and open doors that other players can't. It'll be great to see him out on the pitch."

Charlton have not beaten United for 14 years but Holland is confident that dismal run will end. The Republic of Ireland midfielder is one of a few Charlton players, along with Di Canio of course, to have beaten Ferguson's side and hopes to repeat the experience tomorrow.

He said: "It's always good to play against United and test yourself against the best. They're the best team in the league and have some great players, but we're confident we can beat them. We've drawn one and lost one at home and it'd be great to get our first win tomorrow."

Curbishley may well persist with the in-form strike pairing of Jason Euell and Shaun Bartlett up front, leaving Di Canio on the bench, but at least one player will make his Charlton debut.

Chris Perry - the defender who is on loan from Tottenham - should make his first appearance for the Addicks at centre-back, as Mark Fish is suspendedand Gary Rowett is still out with a knee injury.

Curbishley, though, is just pleased to have his players back after the international break.

He said: "It's not an ideal situation. Some of my players have been away for two weeks and yesterday was the first time we started to think about the game.

"Some of them have travelled halfway round the world to play these games and they will come back very tired."

Charlton v Man Utd, The Valley, tomorrow, 3pm

Curbishley: United will rue selling Becks

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