The security men will have the final word but it says everything about United's allure, and the Champions League's appeal, that two past masters crave the chance to be fans paying homage to the European champions.
Cantona is passing through town for fashion week while Beckham, currently modelling the red-and-black of AC Milan, is passing every ball in town with a desperation to avoid returning to LA Galaxy. These No 7s of Old Trafford legend cannot resist the opportunity to sit (probably stand, knowing United's away following) and admire Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. Some front six!
Sir Alex Ferguson has lamented United's defensive problems but their attacking verve should serve them well in pursuit of an away goal. Inter Milan boast Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as Jose Mourinho keeps reminding everyone, but Rio Ferdinand has the pace and positional sense to stick close.
When assessing this midweek's rich feast of action, and the other glamorous duels involving English clubs, it becomes easier to understand those who argue that the Champions League is the pinnacle for technical and tactical excellence.
In breadth and intensity, the emotional pull of international football will always mean that England games stir greater fervour than club fixtures, particularly when spiced with additional historical significance against opponents such as Scotland, Argentina or Germany. Even an all-English Champions League final like United's collision with Chelsea could not rival the crackling atmosphere of an England tournament confrontation.
Champions League football and international football should be celebrated for their contrasting attractions. If England set more hearts beating, the mind can enjoy the sheer finesse and intelligence of those global stars lining up to that Champions League anthem (itself another English production).
This is as close as it gets to fantasy football. The Emirates will thrill this evening to the gifts of Francesco Totti and Robin van Persie, such deft forces in possession.Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra versus Liverpool's Javier Mascherano is a clash that promises fireworks at Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.
Fernando Torres' attempts to give Fabio Cannavaro the slip will prove a compelling, possibly decisive plot. Steven Gerrard's raids forward will test any weaknesses in Madrid's defence as well as his left hamstring. The ageless class of Alessandro del Piero, particularly from free-kicks, will be on parade at the Bridge tomorrow while Giorgio Chiellini is a left-back of genuine substance.
Yet Chelsea have enough talent to progress, leaders such as John Terry and Frank Lampard, while Michael Ballack is showing signs of life now that Luiz Felipe Scolari has left. Chelsea-Juventus may not be one for the purists but, overall, entertainment is largely guaranteed everywhere you look in the Anglo-Italian section and the Mersey-Madrid battle.
If Arsenal must unleash as much speed as possible to bypass Totti's Roma, it is Liverpool who appear most vulnerable of the four English sides this week, particularly if Gonzalo Higuain escapes the attentions of Jamie Carragher. And there is always the prospect of an epic second leg in front of a rocking Kop on March 10. The following evening, Mourinho's Inter arrive at Old Trafford. Beckham and Cantona will be more than welcome in the Stretford End.
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