McManus: I beat Becks to best goal award but he's got his own back

Jun 15 2008 Gavin Berry

TAM McMANUS left David Beckham trailing when the striker's wonder goal was voted best in MLS ahead of a screamer from the England hero.

But despite that claim to fame the former Hibs ace was gutted last week when he failed to nab Becks' shirt after coming up against the Manchester United legend.

Beckham made headlines last month when he took advantage of Kansas City keeper Kevin Hartman's decision to go upfield for a late corner by scoring from 70 yards.

Yet the LA Galaxy superstar's incredible effort - reminiscent of his famous 1996 strike for Man United against Wimbledon - was still upstaged by McManus.

In the same week Tam netted a 40-yard cracker for Colorado Rapids against Chivas that earned him the MLS Goal of theWeek not to mention countless hits on YouTube.

Amazingly, the 27-year-old doesn't even rate it his best ever goal and instead picked out a volley for Hibs against Rangers at Ibrox six years ago.

But despite being outshone in the scoring stakes Becks still had the last laugh after his LA Galaxy side dumped McManus' men 3-2 last week. And there was double disappointment for Tam who didn't get his shirt although he has been promised it when the sides meet again in December.

The Scot said: "I hope Becks sticks to his word because I have a queue of friends in Glasgow wanting the top.

However, my girlfriend might have something to say about that.

"It was great playing against Beckham but we were 3-0 down at half-time and had our captain sent off.

"I took over the armband which was a proud moment. We managed to bring it back to 3-2 and were unlucky not to get a point.

"I spoke to Beckham during the game and that was great. He's a brilliant player and set up two or three of their goals - he's in great shape and could probably still play in the Premiership.

"But I also reckon he's a great person after that experience. He knew I was British andwas chatting during a break in play, asking how I was enjoying life in America which was nice of him.

"So I felt I knew him well enough to ask for his jersey after the game - but he'd already promised it to someone else. That was the only disappointing thing but he promised when we next play each other I can get his top so hopefully he sticks to his word or I'll be hunting him for it!"

McManus' wonder strike shot him to prominence in the States and he said: "My goal against Chivas was a big moment for me. It was voted the best of that week - beating Beckham into runner-up.

"I suppose that can always be my claim to fame.

"It was great in terms of exposure because itwas on all the channels in America and a lot of people were talking about it.

"And a week later I grabbed the winner against Dallas.

"Beckham had scored from about 70 yards after the keeper came up for a corner, the ball broke to him and he pinged it into the net but they still voted mine.

"However, I scored a volley against Rangers at Ibrox that think was better."

McManus hadn't been to America before heading Stateside for his new adventure but joked that Barlornock where he was brought up is twinned with New York's notorious Bronx district.

He said: "I was raised in Barlornock - the Bronx - in Glasgow and my new lifestyle is just slightly different.

Seriously, this is a fantastic place and I'm glad I took the chance.

"I've just moved into a new apartment with a swimming pool and the weather's 90 degrees every day so I have barbecues on my balcony.

"There's also a big gym in the complex where my apartment is which is a great help as it allows me to do some training in my own time."

McManus has been playing non-stop for a year and fears burn-out because he won't get a break until November when the MLS season ends.

He said: "I'm feeling fitter than ever but keep waiting for it to catch up on me because I've been playing since last year's British pre-season.

"There is a big chunk of the campaign to go here - about 20 games - and a lot will depend on whether or not we make the play-offs.

"The top two in each section go through but we're sitting second just now so it's looking good."