MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson isn't surprised that David Beckham could return to Europe on a loan deal with AC Milan as he believes the former England captain is used to a better standard than Major League Soccer.
Beckham could move to Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in January, although the MLS team wants him back before its season starts in March. There is speculation, however, that Milan may try and turn the loan deal into a full transfer.
"It is hardly a surprise," said Ferguson, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid five years ago. "Going to the United States does not get you the kind of football he is used to. It is not the right level of football, therefore coming back into the mainstream of the game is not a surprise. People have been edging towards that quite a while now."
Beckham has played for the Galaxy for two seasons and the team has failed each time to reach the MLS playoffs.
With the MLS season coming to an end, Beckham needs to continue playing competitive football or he will lose his place on the England squad.
England coach Fabio Capello, who used to be at Milan, sent Beckham on as a late substitute in the team's four World Cup qualifying victories and is adamant that he will only select players who are in competitive action.
Real Madrid president Roman Calderon, who sold Beckham to the Galaxy in 2007, said the player can still be influential.
"He is a very well-known player," Calderon said in London. "He is a player who can give a lot to the club he signs for. We wish David Beckham all the best. He performed fantastically. He decided to leave and now he has a new offer and it is up to him.
"He is a fantastic player, a nice person and we have a lot of good memories. The Real Madrid fans like him very much, and he is always welcome at Real Madrid in any sense."
