CHERRIES defender Simon Francis admits David Beckham was his boyhood inspiration.

Nottingham-born Francis supported Manchester United as a youngster and England star Beckham regularly sent in quality deliveries which Francis hoped to emulate.

The Cherries full-back is in contention to feature when Eddie Howe's side complete their campaign at Old Trafford on Sunday (3pm), the 31-year-old set to make his first visit to The Theatre of Dreams as a player.

Francis told the Daily Echo: "I have no real ties to Manchester apart from the fact my auntie and uncle are there. I used to visit them a lot and watch games because they lived close to the ground.

"When you were a kid you had to pick a team and it wasn't really Nottingham Forest or Notts County so it was Man United.

"I used to get the kits bought for me and they were my favourite team through the era of David Beckham, who was my favourite player at one time.

"I never played right-midfield but I used to like watching him play. I suppose that's where I've got the crossing from – through wanting to get assists, watching him on the ball and seeing how good his delivery was.

"I was a big fan of him growing up. He was a great player and a great ambassador for English football."

Cherries are due to take on a United side desperate to seal Champions League football, with only a win giving Louis van Gaal's side a chance of doing so.

Realistically, United also require neighbours Manchester City to lose at Swansea if they are to snatch a place in the top four.

Francis added: "There is all sorts riding on it for United so it's going to be a great atmosphere.

"We have nothing to lose and our mindset will be fearless. We will be confident and will try and play our stuff.

"United have had their critics this season but I think they have been excellent in some games and we have to be wary of their strengths.

"Hopefully, we will attack them and try and win the game."