'They've lost what the badge means': Beckham blasts Man Utd squad

SHAH ALAM - Football icon David Beckham has voiced his disapproval of the current Manchester United squad’s conduct during their post-season tour of Asia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.

While former greats once honoured the crest with respect for fans, Beckham bemoaned that today’s players have lost sight of what it truly means to wear the badge.

Amad (left) and Garnacho faced backlash in Malaysia after being caught on camera making offensive hand gestures toward fans. Photo: X

The Manchester United legend did not mince his words when asked about the current state of the club and its players’ off-field conduct during their recent tour of Asia.

“I do not like seeing what is happening at the club. It is true that it is the pitch that matters, but I see a lot of things that are not acceptable to me as a fan and a lover of Manchester United. You have to represent the badge.

“I have seen a lot of things where players did not act in the right way,” Beckham told CBS Sports during their coverage of the UEFA Champions League final.

Beckham’s comments came on the heels of several viral incidents involving Manchester United players in Kuala Lumpur.

Most notably, winger Amad Diallo was filmed flipping off a crowd of fans outside the team’s hotel.

Diallo claimed he had been personally insulted, particularly about his mother and stated that he had no regrets for his actions.

His gesture triggered immediate backlash from local fans, many of whom denied any disrespect was hurled at the player.

Malaysian supporters expressed disappointment, calling for greater professionalism from visiting players and reminding them of the fans’ support and hospitality.

Beckham stressed that during his own time with Manchester United, players always understood the responsibility that came with the jersey.

“We understood what it meant to play for Manchester United. We understood what the badge meant. Everywhere we travelled, whether in Europe or Asia, we respected the fans.

“We respected the fact that they came and paid money to see us, to get an autograph or to take pictures. You have to respect that,” he added.

Beckham’s rebuke did not stop with Diallo.

In another widely shared video, players Alejandro Garnacho and Ayden Heaven were seen in Kuala Lumpur asking locals to pay for their e-scooter rides, an incident many fans called embarrassing and entitled.

Garnacho was also reportedly involved in a brief altercation with a fan who was filming him.

The controversy added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the team, which has faced growing criticism after finishing an all-time low 15th in the Premier League.

The Asia tour was expected to be a morale booster, but instead, United slumped to a 1-0 defeat against the Asean All-Stars before managing a 3-1 win over Hong Kong through a second-half comeback.

While fans were eager to meet the team and create unforgettable memories, many felt let down by the players’ attitudes and lack of gratitude.

Beckham’s comments have since been widely circulated on social media, with many supporters applauding the former England captain for speaking out.