One of Sir David Beckham's sons became an Arsenal fan after a VIP experience with one iconic manager at the Emirates Stadium
Sir David Beckham's son, Romeo, is a devoted Arsenal supporter thanks to the special treatment Arsene Wenger showed him during his childhood. The Beckham family has endured considerable scrutiny lately following eldest son Brooklyn's public rejection of his parents on social media.
The 26-year-old claimed his family had been manipulating media coverage about him and attempting to sabotage his marriage to Nicola Peltz Beckham. Romeo and his dad maintain a strong relationship, though, despite their contrasting football allegiances.
Although the Beckhams were raised as United fans, the 23-year-old has become a passionate Gunners supporter following a memorable childhood visit to Arsenal.
Speaking to former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Beckham recalled taking Romeo to the north London club as a youngster, where then-manager Wenger ensured his second-eldest enjoyed an unforgettable experience.
He said: "He was really young and we were in London one Friday and he was like, 'Dad let's go to a game this weekend.' So I started to look at the fixtures, and I was like 'Uh, Arsenal are at home.'
"So I thought, do you know what, they're always really nice to me when I go down to watch United and Arsenal, and I thought okay, they'll look after us, there won't be any hassle getting in. No hassle, sat there.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
"So we walked in, amazing seats. Sat in the director's box. Lunch was unbelievable before the game - it was like wagyu, full on, everything. So we walk in, I'm sat there and then Arsene walks in the room and he comes straight over to the table, introduces himself to Romeo, and he says, 'Come with me son.'
"So he takes him down to the changing room, meets all the players, gives him a shirt, signed, takes him onto the pitch, walks him back up to the table and then gives him an Arsenal cashmere scarf, and that was it. It was done. I've tried to change his mind since but impossible."
The family's divided allegiances were on display for everyone to witness on Sunday following United's uncommon 3-2 triumph away at Arsenal. Bryan Mbuemo, Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha all found the net as the side secured their second consecutive victory under Michael Carrick, whilst the Gunners' championship aspirations took another blow with their first home loss of the campaign.
Beckham used social media to wind up Romeo, sharing an image of himself celebrating his legendary halfway-line strike against AFC Wimbledon with the message, "You OK Romeo," and some love hearts. A second nostalgic snap was uploaded showing Beckham rejoicing in United kit with the words: "As the Boss would say 'squeeky bum time.' That Gap is getting smaller."
Romeo responded with an image of the current Premier League standings, highlighting that United remain 12 points adrift of the table-toppers. He commented: "Don't get too gassed. Mind the gap."
Arsenal have the opportunity to recover midweek against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League before travelling to Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. Meanwhile, United will benefit from a complete week of rest and preparation before hosting Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.