London, June 11: Manchester United have stabbed David Beckham in the back by trying to force him into a money-spinning move to Barcelona that he does not want, British newspapers claimed today. But while the tabloids were unanimous in their fury over what they see as a tawdry betrayal of the England captain, the reaction of United fans was surprisingly muted.

Jules Spencer, chairman of the Manchester United Supporters' Association, said most fans would back the judgement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager who has made United the dominant force in English football over the last decade.

Spencer said: "If he is being sold for financial reasons then there will be an outcry.

"But if he is being sold to strengthen the team, then most fans will back Ferguson's judgement."

United announced yesterday that they had reached an agreement with Joan Laporta, who is bidding to become Barcelona's new president, to sell the 28-year-old midfielder to the Catalan club.

But less than two hours later, Beckham's advisors issued a statement accusing Laporta of using the player as a "pawn" in the presidential election battle and said they had no plans to talk to him.

Bureau Report