Why David Beckham’s “painful” Manchester United admission may be a blessing in disguise

Manchester United legend David Beckham has admitted that he finds his former side failing to qualify for the Champions League a tough pill to swallow.

Unable to secure a spot in the Champions League for the third time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Erik ten Hag’s side have found themselves in the Europa League instead.

With his former side missing from the Champions League, Beckham has discussed his thoughts on the matter.

Speaking on CBS Sports, Beckham, a Champions League winner with United admitted that he hated seeing his former club absent from this year’s competition.

“It is a little bit painful not seeing United there,” Beckham explained. “But they’re going through something.

“We’re too big not to be back on this stage. So at some point, we have to be.”

Why Manchester United’s Champions League absence could be a positive

Despite missing out on the Champions League and finishing in 8th position in the Premier League, Ten Hag still managed to guide his team to a Europa League spot this season.

Securing their spot in the second tier of European competition following last season’s FA Cup glories, ex-United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes that this is a positive thing for the Red Devils.

Hargreaves, who like Beckham won a Champions League with Man United, explained that he believes his former side would not be able to compete as strongly in the Champions League.

“They are in the Europa League this season, and that is a competition they can win,” Hargreaves told Football365.

“We saw how they did in the Champions League last season and that was not great, to be polite. I think they are better off being in a competition they can win this season.”

Two-time Europa League finalists, Manchester United were successful in winning the trophy under Jose Mourinho in the 2016/17 season.

Under Erik ten Hag, United have played in the competition on one occasion, with the Dutchman’s side getting knocked out by Sevilla in the quarter-finals.

The Red Devils will make their debut in this year’s competition next week, welcoming FC Twente to Old Trafford on the 25th of September.

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