The 34-year-old is set to face the Red Devils in a competitive game for the first time since leaving them in 2003 when the sides meet in the last 16 of the Champions League at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

But the England midfielder is adamant the game between two of European football's most glamorous names is about far more than that.

He told the Sunday Times: "Obviously there will be emotions but I don't think it will be a problem. I've played in many big games.

"There has been so much talk about me going back to Manchester United in the second leg, because it will be my first time playing for a club there in seven years. But this tie is not just about me playing against United, it's about AC Milan. It's about two great clubs coming together, and that's what makes it such a big game, for the teams, for the fans."

Beckham, who is in his second spell at AC Milan, believes United striker Wayne Rooney is the man his side must be most wary of.

"I have always thought that Wayne is one of the best goalscorers in football anywhere. He's proving that," he added.

"He's at a great club and doing what he does best, which is scoring goals. United are playing so well for him, too."