Leonardo won't assure Beckham of Old Trafford start

AC Milan coach Leonardo is not promising David Beckham a place in his starting line-up at Old Trafford even though he is aware what a "special" occasion it is for the former Manchester United favourite.

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Beckham returns to his former home as a player for the first time since his departure for Real Madrid in 2003 on Wednesday night, when Milan look to create a bit of history by overturning a 3-2 first-leg deficit.

But Beckham has not started a game for the seven-times winners since the encounter with Sir Alex Ferguson's men at the San Siro three weeks ago.

Leonardo was happy to pay tribute to Beckham's input for Milan but, asked whether that extends to a spot on the pitch, he rather skirted round the issue.

"For Beckham, it is obviously something special to have the opportunity to play against Manchester United given his history at the club,'' he said. "When we saw the draw we knew it would be an unbelievable situation for him. But knowing David, and his attitude, I am sure he can cope. And independent of that, he is very important for the group as a whole and we are always grateful for his presence.''

One man who will definitely be involved after recovering from a minor knee injury is Wayne Rooney. The 28-goal United striker has been in explosive form recently, winning plaudits from Ferguson and Fabio Capello amongst others. But it seems the admiration extends far beyond England's shores, with the Italians of the same view.

"Rooney is considered to be a star player on the world stage,'' said Milan skipper Massimo Ambrosini. "He is better than in the past. He has improved and is now a complete player. He is one of the best in the world at the moment.''

Ambrosini's words were echoed byLeonardo, who must try and find a way of stopping United's talisman, whilst retaining enough attacking invention in his own side to help them become the first team to overturn a first-leg deficit at Old Trafford.

"Rooney is a fixed point of reference in the United team,''Leonardo said. "It is incredible to see the way he has developed, grown and matured as a player. Maybe it has had something to do with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving because it meant he needed to step up.''