Beckham: Going back to Manchester will be special for Ronaldo

01/03/2013 7:00:00 PM

The 37-year-old believes the returning Portuguese winger will be in his element when Real Madrid travel to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Champions League tie

PSG midfielder David Beckham has warned Manchester United that Cristiano Ronaldo's first return to Old Trafford will inspire him.

The former England captain spent nine years at United, before facing his former club while on loan at Milan, and expects the Portuguese international to impress for Real Madrid.

Beckham told reporters: "It will be an exciting game, and a special night for Cristiano going back to Manchester.

"United has a special place in his heart. The fans love him and it will be a great occasion. You enjoy going back [to your former club] and I am sure it will inspire him. Many things inspire great players and him going back will be a special night.

"United did very well at the Bernabeu. It will be a great game to watch. They are two great teams with great players, so it's difficult to call."

That tie is delicately poised at 1-1, and PSG's second leg with Valencia gives Beckham one last chance at the Champions League.

The 37-year-old's new club take a 2-1 lead into their home game, but will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for two matches after his sending-off in the first leg.

Beckham added: "It's exciting to be back and this will be a big game for PSG. We've got ourselves in a good position by winning away but that doesn't mean it will be easy here. As long as we play well and work hard, we'll be OK.

"The competition still has the big guns and it is nice to be in it. People are talking about a shift in power with Barcelona having lost their first game [2-0 against Milan], but no one should ever doubt their players even now.

"They have a home game to come and it doesn't matter if they're two or three down … I know what it's like to play against them when they're up against it and it's not easy."