Beckham backs Man Utd's Rooney over nightclub brawl

England captain David Beckham has spoken out in support of teammate Wayne Rooney after it emerged this week the Manchester United striker is being investigated by police over a nightclub brawl.

Beckham said: "The new generation of player is very much in the spotlight. I've had it for quite a few years now and I'm used to it."

"If it affected Wayne I suppose it would be down to me or some of the Manchester United players to talk to him."

"It's hard for him. He goes out for dinner and there's an alleged incident. These days we have to be careful."

"Obviously there's a spotlight on quite a few players and if you don't conduct yourself in the right way - and I'm not saying Wayne hasn't - you look bad or you're made to look bad."

"It's important players look after themselves and behave themselves but, to me, Wayne has improved since he's been at Manchester United."

Beckham, 29, insists he has seen a new maturity in Rooney compared to when the forward was first in the England squad two years ago as a 17-year-old.

He said: "Wayne's still only 19 but he's grown up a lot on and off the pitch. His performances for United have been incredible."

"As a young player he's going to be going out with his friends and girlfriend and there are going to be incidents. But as long as he's playing his football, he's going to be comfortable."

"I said when he first went to United that he's at the right place with the right person in Sir Alex Ferguson looking after him."

"Personally, I don't think there's a problem with going out on a Monday night if you've played on a Saturday. If you're going out on a Thursday night before a Saturday match, then there's a problem."