DAVID BECKHAM and Sir Alex Ferguson marked the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome by signing their own peace pact at Old Trafford.

Becks made his first appearance in front of United fans since his acrimonious departure from the club almost four years ago as they beat a Europe XI 4-3 in a match which also celebrated 50 years of United in Europe.

The ex-England captain had been scheduled to play but was ruled out through injury. Instead, he used the occasion to say thanks to the fans who cheered him for almost a decade and to convince them he and Fergie had buried the hatchet - but not in each other's backs.

"You've got the best manager in the world at this club," said Becks, who will join Los Angeles Galaxy when his Real Madrid contract expires in the summer.

Fergie, taken aback when told Beckham had called him the world's best boss, said: "He was a great player."

Before the match, two specially-erected screens replayed famous moments from the club's European history including their two European Cup triumphs.