Beckham's pledge to United

England captain David Beckham has underlined his commitment to Manchester United FC despite losing his place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team in recent matches.

Beckham benched
Beckham was relegated to the substitutes' bench for United’s UEFA Champions League victory over Boavista FC last week, and remained on the sidelines for his side’s shock 1-0 domestic defeat to West Ham United FC on Saturday.

'I love United'
But the 27-year-old midfield player, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2003, said on Monday: "I want to carry on playing for Manchester United. They are the team I support, they are the team my family support and it is the place where I am most loved by the fans and I love them."

Award winner
Beckham’s comments follow his victory in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year poll on Sunday night. After accepting the trophy, won in previous years by Paul Gascoigne and Michael Owen, Beckham spoke about United’s rapidly diminishing FA Premiership title hopes.

Uphill task
United trail leaders Liverpool FC by eleven points and Beckham said: "We have made it an uphill task for ourselves – a very uphill task. I can't put my finger on why it has happened, it is just one of those things. But this team will come together."

Houllier honoured
Beckham beat England team-mate and Liverpool striker Owen into third place, while Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier accepted the award for Team of the Year.