David Beckham is the main man behind LA Galaxy’s stratospheric reversal of fortune this season, according to star striker Landon Donovan.

Donovan made stinging criticisms of Beckham in a book about the first two years of the England midfielder’s time at the Galaxy, claiming he was not a good team-mate and questioning his commitment to the team.

But with the Galaxy playing in tonight’s MLS Cup final Donovan has changed his tune. Asked what could explain LA’s dramatic improvement in results, Donovan credited the stability created by coach Bruce Arena, then said Beckham was the other main factor.

“Candidly, the second (point) was David’s reaction to everything that was gone on,” said Donovan.

“He chose to be a man and to want this team to be successful.

“Without him, we’re not where we are.

“He has been tremendous.”

Ac Milan are out to continue their fine run of form when they tackle Cagliari today.

Returning from the international break the Rossoneri are unbeaten in the last seven and have won four of the last five, but lie seven points off the pace set by city rivals and defending champions Inter Milan. And Milan’s ace defender Gianluca Zambrotta said the Italian giants will continue to show that attack is the best form of defence.  

“The club teams are coming back on the pitch and we want to continue the positive run after our last matches,” Zambrotta said.

“We are playing in a system that allows us to create a lot, we attack with more men.

“Attacking play has always been Milan’s philosophy.”