Leave Now Becks Or Rot In Reserves - Stam

By Gary Spate
June 16 2003

FORMER Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has warned David Beckham that it may be time to make his Old Trafford exit or prepare to "rot in the reserves".

Beckham is currently a hot target for Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is believed that Manchester United is ready to sell the England captain to the highest bidder.

Jaap Stam believes that Beckham should really be considering leaving the club now.

Once Ferguson decides you are no longer part of his plans for whatever reasons, there is no turning back," Stam told the Sunday Mirror.

"You are like an unwanted piece of baggage and you have to weigh up whether it's worth hanging around when there is no chance of playing.

"I think you are just expected to accept it, there is no plan in place if you decide you're not going other than the fact you will probably be left to rot in the reserves.

"I am sure the other players are surprised by Beckham's departure and the way it has happened. I know a lot of them will not want to see him leave."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson sold Stam to Lazio two years ago for £16.5 million.