The former Manchester United midfielder, who joined Spanish champions Real Madrid for up to 35 million euros ($37.86 million) in July, has not set foot on the pitch since a post-match kick-around with his son Brooklyn last May.

But Old Trafford holds precious memories for the 28-year-old, and not just for the many trophies he won during his nine years as a first-team regular there.

"I've moved on...I'm enjoying the new experience of playing in a different country, in a different league with different players," said Beckham before England's 2-1 victory over Macedonia in their Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday.

"But I was happy playing with the players at Manchester United. They're my friends and I regarded them as my family," added the England captain, who scored a match-winning penalty against Macedonia as his side came back from 1-0 down.

The Old Trafford ground is also the scene of his greatest footballing triumph two years ago, when he almost single-handedly got England through to the World Cup finals with an all action display in a 2-2 draw with Greece.

While his team mates flagged, Beckham kept his nerve to score a stunning injury-time goal from a free kick to earn the point England needed to top their group as Germany failed to beat Finland.

GOD-LIKE STATUS

It was a moment that elevated Beckham to god-like status among England supporters and enhanced his standing on the world stage, although it grated with former manager Alex Ferguson.

The breakdown in his relationship with Ferguson has been well-documented in a tabloid serialisation of his autobiography My Side over the past week, although Beckham has said the book overall paints a rosy picture of his former boss.

It is unlikely the pair will meet on Wednesday, however, as the proud Scot has refused to cheer on England in the past.

"Beckham can expect a hero's welcome from Manchester United supporters at the game as they take the chance to say goodbye and the fact that he is returning to the venue that made him what he is today will make it very special indeed," United supporter Martin Wardle said.

"A few United fans may try saying, now that he is out of earshot, that he was a one-trick pony, but they know deep down he was as instrumental in the Old Trafford success story as anyone.

"They now hope that, if they can't hero worship him at Old Trafford, then the least they can do is hero worship him for 90 minutes on Wednesday night."

The fans have many magic moments to savour, from Beckham's breakthrough goal when he chipped Wimbledon keeper Neil Sullivan from the half-way line at Selhurst Park in London in 1996 to his two goals after coming on as a substitute in United's Champions League quarter-final aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in April.