The former England captain fell out with the Scottish boss and found himself heading from Old Trafford to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003.

However, he has nothing but admiration for Ferguson as United head for glory on three fronts - Champions League, Barclays Premiership and FA Cup.

Beckham was part of that treble-winning squad eight years ago and is excited about the short-term future at the club.

"The manager has got some exciting players, an exciting squad and a togetherness you can see," said the Real Madrid midfielder.

"That comes with results and it comes with performances. He's built something, that's why no-one should ever doubt him as a manager.

"People were saying 'Is he the right man for the job?'. But it is like Eric Cantona said, he (Ferguson) is Manchester United and that's what he's all about."

Looking back to 1999, Beckham reflected: "When someone asked him the question 'What are you going to do next year?', he said 'Do it again'.

"That was the mentality. The night after you could celebrate but after that it was on to something else.

"That's why we were so successful and that's why the hunger was there and is still there.

"United have a manager that actually breeds that into the players and that's why it's such an amazing club to be involved in and to play for."

Despite his difficulties with Ferguson, Beckham has nothing but respect for his former boss.

"I would not be the player and the person I am today without him," the former England captain told MUTV.

"It's been well documented that we had our ups and downs, of course, once or twice.

"But you know I owe almost everything to him - obviously I had strong parents and family behind me.

"Without him giving me the actual opportunity to go into this team and to be part of the club, I wouldn't be the player I am today.

"I would not have won and have achieved a lot of the things that I have done."

Beckham believes the current United team can emulate the class of 1999 and win the treble again.

As a committed fan for life, he keeps an ear to the ground at Old Trafford by watching matches on television and is also in constant touch with his close friend, captain Gary Neville.

"I can see United going all the way in every competition," said Beckham.

"I've seen the football they play, I've seen the togetherness of the team.

"Obviously I've not been around the players, but speaking to Gary and speaking to him about the players and about the team I think they've played some amazing football this season.

"United have strength in depth and players that United fans love to see perform. They love to see players wearing the shirt with pride and wanting to win.

"United have got that now. That has been installed in the players in the team."

The special memories of 1999 will remain with Beckham forever.

"My best experience is winning the treble for United, winning that European Cup, " he said.

"What we went through that season is actually similar to this season with United.

"We played well in certain games but not in others but still came out with 1-0 results.

"You can see that now in the team and that is what is so important.

"But for me the experience of playing in 99, there's no bigger and better feeling than that."

Beckham, who is joining Los Angeles Galaxy next season, will be a guest at Old Trafford on Tuesday when United play a Europe XI to celebrate the club's 50th year in Europe.

He was due to play, only to suffer a knee injury for his Spanish club at the weekend and is likely to be out for another three weeks.

Beckham said: "I am disappointed because one thing I've looked forward to doing for four years since I left United was to go back to the stadium.

"I never had chance to say goodbye - it all happened so quickly, my move to Madrid.

"I still get the same feeling of wanting United to win, wanting them to win trophies and wanting them to win the league.

"It doesn't matter that I'm playing for a different team in Europe.

"I've still got the passion there for United."