His rise to fame has been the stuff of dreams. A boyhood United fan Beckham was first spotted by United legend Sir Bobby Charlton and snatched up by United's Youth system at the age of 16. Despite his slight build his potential was immediately noticeable with his passing, both long and short and his set piece expertise his most notable qualities. 

Despite being a prominent member of the successful 1991 FA Youth Cup winning side, he was forced to watch as Giggs and Butt broke through into the United first team. It wasn't until late 1994 that his debut came in United's 4:0 victory over Galatasaray in their failed Champions' League campaign. It was a memorable night for Beckham as he scored the second of United's goals. 

His league debut was another five months coming but it wasn't until the 1995/96 season that he began to hold down a regular first team place. It was a successful year for Beckham as he started 26 times, scoring 7 goals. Two goals of which came in the 5:0 victory over Nottingham Forest late in United's Championship winning run-in. 

But it was the 1996/97 campaign that saw Beckham rocketted into super stardom. In the opening league game of the season he launched himself into the spotlight with an unforgettable 60 yard lob over Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from inside his own half. It was the catalyst for a rich vein of form from the midfielder which won him a call-up to Glenn Hoddle's England squad in September 1997. He made his debut in the 3:0 win in Moldova and went on to become England's only ever present in the team as they qualified for France '98. 

As the season progressed his reputation grew, as spectacular goal followed spectacular goal. He soon became the answer to United's search for a new right winger following the departure of Andrei Kanchelskis two seasons earlier. This despite the signing of the Czech Republic's Euro '96 hero Karel Poborsky. Beckham didn't quite bring the same blistering pace as the Russian or Czech, but what he lacked in speed he more than made up for with devastating crossing and pin-point passing. His direct free-kick taking also became a consitent threat, with his dipping curling shot over the wall to the keeper's right his trademark set piece. 

1997/98 was Beckham's most difficult season both on and off the pitch. As his relationship with Spice Girl Victoria Adams received increasing media attention he was barracked by opposing fans at every away game. On the pitch his season began in unfamiliar circumstances for Beckham as manager Alex Ferguson decided to rest the midfielder after a hectic summer with England in le Tournoi de France. Absent for much of United's pre-season games David did make an appearance as sub in the Charity Shield albeit short of a `h' in the name on his jersey. However he came on as substitute to score the winning goal against Southampton in United's first home game of the season. Amazingly it was another eight months before he scored again at home, in the 1:1 draw with Newcastle. 

Beckham's goalscoring form wasn't as spectacular as it had been in the previous season but he nevertheless managed to reach double figures, contributing vital goals at important times. Apart from his goalscoring exploits Beckham was a mainstay in the United lineup, with only Peter Schmeichel and Gary Neville playing as many matches. His creativity and set piece expertise were invaluable to United throughout the season, underlining his value to the team now and in the future.