David Beckham wants AC Milan to draw Manchester United in the Champions League knockout phase.

LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham is returning to Milan on-loan in January.

"I would really like to face my former team in the next round," said Beckham.

"Since I left (United) in 2003, I have not returned to play at Old Trafford. Seven years have gone by and I would like for that to happen. Me against Manchester, it would be beautiful, wouldn't it?"

The England midfielder, who won the Champions League with United in 1998, spent a decade with the Red Devils before moving to Real Madrid, and knows how challenging the tie against last season's runners-up would be.

"It would be very difficult," said Beckham to Gazzetta dello Sport. "But it will be very exciting.

"I like big challenges and I would love to play that type of game.

"I would love to win the Champions League because it is a special competition, where the strongest teams compete."