David Beckham today issued a "come and get me" plea to Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson as he looks to rejoin the team that has remained close to his heart throughout his life.

The midfielder, who would become available on loan in the New Year, is hungry for regular football at the highest level as he tries to shine under the watchful eyes of England boss Fabio Capello and remain a key member of the national squad.

Ferguson has already surprised the footballing world once already this summer with the acquisition of veteran and ex-Liverpool striker, Michael Owen. The Man United boss even saw fit to hand him the legendary number seven shirt following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Owen's impact has been instantaneous, scoring twice in three preseason games, including a winning goal.

Which begs the question, if Beckham was to return, what impact would he have? And how open would the gaffer and the fans be to such a move?

The Ferguson Factor

Once you leave Manchester United, you don't ever come back. Ferguson is a master at ousting players that are either troublesome, past their best or just not needed and at the same time, retaining the respect of the fans who maybe sad to see their hero's leave.

Ruud Van Nistlerooy, one of the clubs greatest goalscorers of all time was shunned because of his reported bad attitude. He's not afraid to rid the team of anyone despite their reputation or their impact.

Beckham, like Ruud was sold because Fergie felt that his life at that time was more glamour fuelled than football orientated. Life had become Hello magazine for Beckham, and so found himself in sunny Madrid before the lifestyle became infectious with other players in the squad.

A fallout between the superstar and Ferguson was born (culminating in Ferguson kicking a boot following a loss to Arsenal, only for it to hit Beckham in the eyebrow, later needing stitches) and only recently has it cooled.

Has Ferguson softened enough to swallow his pride and bring the 34 year old back to Old Trafford? He certainly isn't the raging, red faced, boot kicking demon he once was.

Maybe the fallout can be forgiven and Ferguson could get himself another freebie in the transfer market and add to a very average midfield that currently just isn't good enough to compete on all fronts next season.

If such a move did happen, what advantages would "Golden Balls" bring?

Use of his abilities in the team

No-one in the world can cross a ball like Beckham. No-one can flight the ball like he does and no-one can spin a free kick like him either.

It's widely expected that Manchester United will switch back to a conventional 4-4-2 following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo whom was given the free role in a very fluid and position-less attacking formation.

And Beckham could be perfect in that conventional 4-4-2. His crossing as I mentioned is sublime and could easily provide the ammo for the big Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov to fire home.

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