On-loan Galaxy midfielder David Beckham salutes the crowd at Old Trafford today after the final whistle (AP Photo).

Apologies up front for the semi-obscure Mancunian music reference.

But it seemed semi-appropriate as David Beckham and AC Milan were comprehensively beaten 4-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate by Manchester United and exited the UEFA Champions League today on his first return to the club.

Becks received a standing ovation when he entered the game with slightly less than 30 minutes to play as a second half sub. By then the score was 3-0 and the game was already out of the Italian club’s reach.

Beckham gave a good account of himself, connecting with a ferocious volley that was saved by United keeper Edwin van der Sar and also putting in a tantalizing cross that needed just a final touch for Milan to get a consolation goal in second half stoppage time.

But he also made a bad back pass to a defender that could easily have led to yet another United goal.

All in all a Blue Monday wednesday for Beckham.

More here.