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Beckham distances himself from Glazer protest

David Beckham grabbed the headlines by picking up a supporter's scarf © Getty Images

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David Beckham has confessed his decision to wrap a green and gold scarf around his neck at the end of AC Milan's Champions League defeat to Manchester United was not a political statement against the English champions' American owners.

A growing number of United fans called the 'Red Knights' are making their protest against the Glazer family public by wearing green and gold scarves - the original colours of Manchester United football club, back when they were called Newton Heath. And on Wednesday night, following Milan's 7-2 aggregate defeat to United, Beckham appeared to throw his support behind the campaign by wrapping one such scarf around his neck.

However, the England midfielder - who received a wonderful reception upon his return to Old Trafford - insists he intends to have no say in how the football club is run.

"I am a Manchester United fan and I support the club, I always will," Beckham said in the Daily Mail.

"I saw the scarf there and just put it round my neck. It's the old colours. That's all I know. It's nothing to do with me how it's run. That's to do with other people. I support the team."

Regarding on-the-field matters, Beckham grouped Wayne Rooney among the world's best three players after the United striker scored twice to ease his side into the quarter-finals thanks to a 4-0 victory.

''He's such an exceptional talent,'' Beckham told ITV1. ''I think without a doubt he's one of the best, if not the best, player at the moment along with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi.''

Beckham entered the fray midway through the second-half, coming off the substitutes' bench to a standing ovation. He delivered one sensational volley and a delicious cross that Filippo Inzaghi conspired to miss, although by that point the contest was already over.

''It was a disappointing night because we lost the game but returning here is always special,'' added the former England captain. ''It was unbelievable. I have to say thank you. It was really incredible. It was nice to be back, a disappointing night but nice to be back.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.