From the MEN:
Everyone involved in the running of a big football club like Manchester United knows there are times when controversial decisions have to be taken.
The agreement we reached on Tuesday to sell David Beckham to Real Madrid clearly fits into that category.
In my time at Old Trafford I can't think of a story that has attracted as much media interest and generated so much speculation and comment as this one.
The single most important question I know many fans will want an answer to is this: Why have we sold one of our top players?
When we sat down with Sir Alex in May, it was the manager's view that we needed to make some changes on the playing side, which meant bringing some new players into the squad.
Normally, when a player has two years left on his contract we either renew his deal or accept that it might be best he move on elsewhere, allowing us to earn a fee on his sale.
In David's case, our approach in mid-May to his advisors about extending his current deal, which had just two years to run, did not meet with an immediate positive response.
Around the same time, we were approached by several clubs in Spain and Italy who were interested in buying David.
We were also told by the player's advisors at the SFX agency that they, too, had been contacted by foreign clubs about David.
It was at this point that it became clear a transfer deal involving David might prove beneficial not only for the club but also for the player.
From that point onwards, it was our job at United to get the right deal for the club, and SFX's job to do the same for David.
Some people have criticised Manchester United for the way we have handled the deal, and for working behind the player's back. This is simply not true.
I know we conducted the negotiations and our dealings with all parties in the right and proper way during the whole process, with David's advisors kept informed of developments throughout.
The club has parted company with David on excellent terms.
So, what happens next? Well, life goes on pretty much as normal at Old Trafford.
We are currently working on bringing in those players we have identified who will strengthen our squad so that we are best placed to defend our Premiership title next season, and mount an even more robust challenge in Europe.