David Beckham insists Manchester City will never challenge Manchester United’s title dominance

Beckham is set to face Roberto Mancini’s side in a pre-season friendly this weekend before featuring in a MLS all-star side that will face United next Wednesday.

The 36-year-old, who is in his final year of contract at LA Galaxy, insists he would have never opted for a move to Eastlands and believes team spirit needs to be nurtured, rather than purchased.

“The money that has been pumped into the club City has been incredible,” said Beckham.

“Players have been bought and that does a lot but United have that history and its not all about paying fortunes for players.

“It’s important that the players get along with each other, for example. That makes team spirit. As much as they have got the money to bring players in, sometimes that doesn’t work.

“If they continue they will be a threat but there are no guarantees. I don’t know. I haven’t been around their team and their squad and I wouldn’t want to be around Man City.

“If they continue to bring players in then who knows? You saw it with Chelsea when Roman Abramovich arrived. They won two leagues and they won them on the trot. It works sometimes, but hopefully it won’t work at City.

“This game on Sunday is just a small game. I am looking forward more to the All-Stars game against the best team in Manchester. The best team in England. That’s going to be a great game.

“There is no extra motivation because it’s Man City. It’s just another game. It’s not special to me because it’s Man City. I am a Man United fan.

“They may have some great players and be a threat against teams but Manchester United have the history and the silverware. I am a United fan so I will always say there’s only one team in Manchester.”

Beckham, who may opt for a move away from the MLS once his contract in Los Angeles is finished, has dismissed any idea of a return to the Premier League at any other club than United.

“I have always said that I have played for the biggest club in England and I wouldn’t like to play against them. I am 36 and still feel good and fresh but I can’t see it happening,” said Beckham, who trained with Tottenham in January to keep himself fit during the MLS offseason.

“The Tottenham thing didn’t happen and it didn’t happen for a reason. I only want to be known as a Manchester United player, and that’s the way it will stay.”