BECKS: I'M IN AWE OF PEP

United icon hails City boss's achievements and calls for the Reds to fight back now

- JEREMY CROSS

DAVID BECKHAM admits he is 'in awe' of the success Pep Guardiola has achieved at Manchester City.

And Beckham insists the English champions and Treble winners have set the standards on and off the pitch that Manchester United must now follow.

Beckham experienced different times in Manchester during his glorious career with the Red Devils.

He won 12 major trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, including a famous Treble of his own in 1999.

Beckham admits United were then the top dogs in English football.

But he knows that tag now belongs to their bitter rivals and neighbours, and fears his former club will continue to live in the shadow of the reigning champions unless there are big changes at Old Trafford.

The former England captain reckons United have been neglected under the ownership of the Glazers. And Beckham, who left United to join Real Madrid in 2003, said: "The club does need investment, whether it's the training facility, stadium, or on the field.