The legendary Red Devils coach: The road to success

Chapter 336 Beckham's lonely trial

Beckham was not very prominent in the Red Devils' youth training at the beginning. He won his opportunities through hard work. This kid from London worked hard to make his debut, practiced hard and got the opportunity to play for the Red Devils. When he was loaned to a lower-level team by the coach, he also overcame his inner anxiety and completed the trial that was destined to be more lonely and helpless.

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Beckham was a special member of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992. He got a chance to play for the Red Devils very early, but soon fell into silence. His parents and friends watched him sign a formal professional contract with the Red Devils in 1993, but he only had a chance to play in one game that season. Then he didn't get any chances in the 93-94 season. The cold reception for more than a year made Beckham feel stressed.

At that time, his handsome appearance even became a burden. With blond hair and blue eyes, he smiled shyly in every move, and his eyes were pure and a little ignorant... This style did not conform to Ferguson's aesthetics at the time, and did not receive any special care from his predecessors.

Beckham came from far away London, and he always seemed very lonely here. He was very quiet and introverted, and he didn't show any jumping or naughty behavior. Back then, Beckham was highly valued by Harrison, but he was not favored by the coaching team of the Red Devils' adult team. In comparison, the gap between Beckham and players such as Butt, Scholes, Giggs, Savage, and Gillespie was very obvious. His position in the youth team was central midfielder, he was not fast, not strong enough, his ability to organize offense was not outstanding, and his ability to confront was also insufficient. Beckham's introverted personality also became a drag. Beckham, who was not passionate, not tough, and not brave enough, seemed a bit out of tune with the Red Devils.

Beckham himself knew that he needed to break through the limitations, so he began to train harder and waited patiently for opportunities. He practiced long-distance passing skills and worked very hard to learn from Irwin how to pass accurately, especially crosses from the wing. Not only that, he also worked hard to learn the curve ball that Irwin was good at. He further strengthened his advantages, that is, his large physical reserve and super running ability, and continued to work hard on interception and coverage in the midfield, striving to become a member of the immortal running team.

Beckham knew that the competition he faced was extremely fierce. He knew that he had no place in the Red Devils team, and it was difficult to even be a substitute. According to the original position, in front of him were Keane, Ince, Butt, Scholes, Savage and Gillespie, and even McClair and Giggs. The two positions in the middle of the Red Devils midfield were too popular. After Beckham had a detailed discussion with Harrison, the mentor of the Red Devils youth team, he accepted Harrison's advice and consciously practiced the skills of the right winger. Although the right side of the Red Devils was also crowded at that time, the winger "Ukrainian veteran driver" Kanchelskis was the main force that could not be shaken, and his strength was incomparable to Beckham. Not only that, Gillespie also had speed and technical advantages over Beckham in front of him, and even Lee Sharp could play in this position.

In the 1994-95 season, Beckham finally got the chance to play for the Red Devils again. He played in the Champions League against Galatasaray and scored a wonderful goal, but this did not become the starting point of his success. Ferguson then put him on the bench again.

Beckham was filled with anxiety. Giggs, who was only one year older than him, had already entered the first team and became an absolute main player. His friend Gary, who was the same age, also got the opportunity to play in many league games. His teammate Scholes was even more amazing as soon as he appeared on the field. Butt gradually gained a foothold in the Red Devils midfield and became a regular rotation player. Even Phil, who was younger than him, got a chance to play in the league, and so did Gillespie and Davis, which made him even closer to despair.

Beckham continued to maintain a positive attitude and never complained. He trained silently, and worked very hard every time, without any laziness. After completing the training subjects, he practiced alone, and completed all the projects in a methodical manner, constantly improving himself. On the Red Devils' training ground, the equipment for practicing set pieces was used the most by Beckham. Whenever the young boy had time, he would humbly ask Irwin or Cantona to guide his free kicks. From strength, center of gravity, angle, arc, to running, touching the ball, time, swinging legs, every detail, every trick, was carefully considered and understood. Practicing free kicks and long passes is very boring and painful, especially the practice of long passes, which challenges the limit of patience. Sometimes Beckham had to run an extra 200 kilometers to complete 5 long pass exercises!

In February 1995, Ferguson suddenly decided to loan Beckham to Preston.

Ferguson thought that although the young man was very serious in training and had a positive attitude, his temperament was too weak and he lacked courage when playing. Ferguson had heard the recommendation of the youth team coach Harrison many times and had watched Beckham's games in person. He knew that the young man had great potential, but he thought Beckham needed a big change.

Beckham needed to improve himself, and Ferguson finally came up with a loan solution. Preston is a team in the third tier of English football, and Ferguson thought it was a perfect fit for Beckham.

This news shocked the young Beckham. Although Ferguson personally said, "Work hard and you will come back one day," what use is such a promise for Beckham who has not played a formal league game in more than two years?

"You will come back one day" - of course you will come back, but what's the point if you are cleared out and used as a transfer bonus and your contract is terminated after you come back?

Beckham even thought that Ferguson didn't want him anymore. He was in pain and helpless about going to a new team. Going to a completely unfamiliar environment, and the lower-level league obviously emphasized more confrontation and physicality, Beckham was inevitably afraid. Beckham was afraid and resisted, but he didn't dare to question this decision. He was introverted and didn't even dare to ask Ferguson directly. In the end, he could only go to Harrison to tell his inner distress.

Harrison said, "I am very optimistic about you, but the reality is that you have no chance here. The Red Devils now have a lot of high-level players in the first team, and it is difficult for you to compete. I think it is actually good for you to train on loan. You can play official games, improve yourself in the games, and maybe even be noticed by Ferguson because of your outstanding performance."

Beckham accepted Harrison's advice, quietly packed his bags and left Old Trafford.

Preston, a third-tier team, had a very poor level of organization and could not meet expectations. Beckham had almost the "best" everything at the Red Devils. The field, coaches, and teammates were all of a different standard. The Red Devils even had someone to wash and iron their clothes, take care of their jerseys and shoes, and even prepare their meals. The players only had to play well. Preston relied entirely on themselves. The field was so bumpy that the players had to tidy it up, move the goal, place the ice cream cones and various equipment, wash their jerseys and shoes, and the food standards were much worse, and there were many foods that did not meet the Red Devils' regulations.

Beckham quickly changed himself, washing his own clothes and moving the goal and various equipment. What did not change was that he still practiced after training, long passes, free kicks, corner kicks...all kinds of running positions, all kinds of shots, all kinds of dribbling techniques, he did not give up all of them.

Beckham's enthusiasm even surprised the entire Preston team, after all, they had never seen such a self-disciplined and hardworking guy. Beckham's first game for Preston was at home against Doncaster in March 1995. He performed a miracle right after he came on the pitch, sending a corner kick with an extremely accurate right foot and directly breaking the opponent's goal!

Even if the opponent's goalkeeper is weak or unprepared, this is still an unimaginable goal, and Beckham became famous in one battle.

Beckham started the second game at Princeton, against Fulham. Beckham scored a wonderful free kick that shocked the crowd. This goal almost replicated Irwin's arcing shot, and it would be Beckham's unique crescent-shaped scimitar from now on.

The game was very intense. Fulham had a strong man like Terry Hurlock, who was known for his strong body and fierce fighting, but Beckham was not afraid. He played to his advantage of running and was everywhere on the court. Intercepting, covering, receiving, advancing... Beckham even became an offensive conductor, constantly using passes to lead the team's offense.

In the third game, Beckham continued to start. He moved quickly and headed in the goal after receiving a corner kick from his teammate. Beckham shocked the whole Preston. He scored three goals in three games and made everyone intoxicated.

In the fourth game, Beckham continued to shine. He used precise passing assists to help the team break the deadlock and win.

At Preston Valley Stadium, which houses the British Football Museum, Beckham set a legendary record by scoring three goals and providing four assists in five games, winning over everyone and gaining the love of his coach, teammates and fans.

Beckham's dazzling performance even shocked Ferguson, who suddenly recalled Beckham in April 1995, "I think you are really ready now."

Beckham returned to Carrington Base with a rich harvest from the short-term loan. He learned to be braver and more confident. In the third division, Beckham also began to use his body to fight against opponents. Whether he was bruised and swollen himself or knocked others flying, he was unstoppable. Beckham completely changed his weak temperament and became confident and brave, with a more passionate temperament.

He also learned responsibility. Beckham began to know how to lead the team to victory and how to motivate the team to move forward. Although he was a passing guest, the team gave him the opportunity to try to be a leader, and he also brought hope to the team.

He also learned to take responsibility. Corner kick goals, free kick goals, header goals, cross assists...Behind these shining moments, Beckham took on more responsibilities. He would not escape or refuse, but take on the responsibility bravely and move forward with determination.

He also learned to persevere. Beckham has always been diligent in training, maintaining a positive attitude in good times and bad, and strengthening his body and mind through training and competition.

Beckham's change surprised everyone. Gary Neville always thought Beckham was "soft", afraid of collisions and fierce interceptions from opponents, but everything was different after he returned to Preston. Gary said, "Sometimes I see a fierce look in his eyes, as if he wants to eat someone, and I feel scared. That's the look of someone who has fought a tough battle..."

Beckham was very grateful for this short loan. He said, "On the first day I went to Preston, they didn't want to pay attention to me. I had two choices at the time. I could not go with them and go directly back to the Red Devils to train and wait for Preston to play when they had a game; the second choice was to train with Preston and improve together. I chose the latter, and fortunately they accepted me after the first game."

After Beckham left, Preston's performance declined rapidly, and they were ranked only 5th at the end of the season. Although they also won the opportunity to play in the promotion play-offs, they were unfortunately eliminated by the Bailey Club in the semi-finals.

Before that, Princeton, which had Beckham, had slaughtered Pele 5-0.

Despite the short time, Preston players still regarded Beckham as a buddy, and head coach Gary Peters praised him highly. The team's chairman Gary Peters said: "Beckham is very polite. He always accepts our invitations, even though he has become a superstar. He gets along well with our players, as if he is still playing for the team."

Preston have always been grateful to Beckham, especially after he became a popular figure. He not only set an example for the players, but also brought unimaginable influence.

Harrison said, "Beckham's progress is amazing. He has become very brave and confident. He scored a corner kick in the first game, which made him feel like a giant ten feet tall. I am very happy with his changes, which also allowed him to quickly get opportunities in the Red Devils."