Manchester United legend David Beckham has publicly criticised the behaviour of two of the club’s young stars during their recent Asia tour, stating that the current crop of players has fallen short of the standards the club is known for.
Fresh off the final matchday of the Premier League season, United flew straight to Southeast Asia for two exhibition matches, one in Kuala Lumpur and another in Hong Kong. The tour was aimed at engaging the club’s massive Asian fan base and generating much-needed revenue after failing to qualify for European competition the following season.
However, instead of strengthening ties with fans, the Kuala Lumpur leg of the trip ended in controversy both on and off the pitch. United slumped to a disappointing 0-1 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars, but it was the conduct of youngsters Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho that stole headlines for the wrong reasons.
Diallo was caught on camera giving the middle finger to fans in the crowd. He later defended his actions on social media, claiming he had reacted to a fan who had insulted his mother. Garnacho, meanwhile, was seen flashing the same gesture during a photo session with supporters and was also filmed in a tense street encounter that appeared to show him pushing a fan.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Beckham didn’t hold back in his assessment. “The standards off the pitch at Manchester United have slipped. It’s a difficult time, but I hate seeing things like this,” said the former United midfielder.
“As a fan and someone who deeply loves this club, it’s frustrating to witness behaviour that doesn’t align with what that badge stands for. You need to earn the right to wear it, on and off the field.”
Beckham reflected on his playing days with United, emphasising the importance of respecting supporters wherever the team played. “In our generation, we understood what it meant to represent Manchester United. Whether we were in Europe or Asia, we treated our fans with the respect they deserved,” he said.
“People pay good money to see these players. Some want a signature or a photo. That moment could mean the world to them. Showing them respect isn’t optional, it’s part of the job.”
The incident has sparked widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many calling for the club to step in and reinforce expectations regarding player conduct, particularly when representing the club on international tours.
As of now, Manchester United has yet to release an official statement addressing the incidents. However, there’s growing pressure on the management to act, particularly given the club’s need to repair its global image and maintain loyalty among international supporters.
Beckham’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the values that built Manchester United into one of the most recognisable names in world football. In a time of financial uncertainty and sporting underachievement, perhaps it’s not just goals and trophies that need chasing, but also the restoration of respect, humility, and discipline.
