Becks: City won't rule Manchester

Published Jan. 19, 2010 6:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

David Beckham believes Manchester City will never be bigger than his former club Manchester United.

The two teams go head-to-head on Tuesday in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Eastlands with many City fans confident of turning over their local rivals.

Backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's millions there is a real sense that the Blues can turn the tables and become the leading team in Manchester after years of heartache.

However Beckham insists it takes more than money to dislodge a team with the history and standing of Manchester United.

"City will never be bigger than United," he told the Daily Mirror.

"Being successful and one of the most recognised clubs in the world doesn't come from the money. It's about history."

The 34-year-old added that although he has not donned the Red shirt for nearly seven years he could still never envisage himself playing for City.

He said: "I'd never sign for Manchester City. It doesn't matter about money, it's always about loyalty. United are the team I supported and the team I played for and I just couldn't bring myself to sign for City."

The England international will come up against United for the first time in March when AC Milan travel to Old Trafford in the last 16 of the Champions League and Beckham is adamant that if he scores he will not celebrate.

"It's going to be a weird feeling playing against United at Old Trafford. But I am ready for it now," he admitted.

"I wouldn't celebrate if I scored. It would take me a split second to compose myself and remind myself I couldn't because when you score a goal it's a rush and it's an instinct to celebrate.

"But if it happened at Old Trafford I would curb that instinct."