FOR West Ham United supporters, the sight of David Beckham lining up against their heroes tonight is likely to fill them with dread.

For the last time the Leytonstone-born England legend shared a pitch with the Hammers, his Manchester United side ran out emphatic 6-0 winners.

That FA Cup fourth round tie at Old Trafford took place in January 2003.

Five-and-a-half years on, both Beckham and the Irons have enjoyed and endured a series of ups and downs.

The 33-year-old left the Red Devils for Real Madrid in the summer of 2003, winning the La Liga title in 2006/07 before joining the MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy in July 2007.

Over the same period, West Ham have been promoted to the Premier League, reached the FA Cup final and staved off relegation on the final day of the 2006/07 season.

Tonight, the East Enders will meet one of the area’s most famous exports when Alan Curbishley’s side take on the MLS All-Stars at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada (12midnight kick-off UK time, live on Setanta Sports).

And Curbishley himself cannot wait to see his team tested against the cream of North American domestic talent.

“When we took the game, we knew what we were doing,” said the Irons boss. “It’s a big game for us.”

“There’s a bit more attention because it’s David Beckham.

“There’s quite a lot of English players (in MLS) and I think people forget there’s a lot of American players in the Premier League. So, it’s gaining momentum, that’s for sure.

“Obviously David Beckham coming here has given it more of a lift.”

Striker Dean Ashton, who scored in Sunday’s 3-1 friendly win over MLS side Columbus Crew, is expecting a difficult outing.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said the forward.

“To bring all of the best MLS players together for a game is going to be very tough. They’ve got some great players.

“It’s going to be a big test for us in pre-season. It’ll be an exciting game as well.”

Curbishley has no fresh injury worries ahead of tonight’s game, but defenders Matthew Upson, George McCartney, Danny Gabbidon, Jonathan Spector and James Collins and forward Kieron Dyer were all left at home.

Freddie Ljungberg, James Tomkins and Freddie Sears are also missing after being given time off following their summer international commitments.

However, wingers Luis Boa Morte and Matty Etherington are both in contention for their first pre-season appearances.

West Ham United: (from) Green, Walker, Neill, Widdowson, Davenport, Ferdinand, Spence, Mullins, Noble, Parker, Collison, Stokes, Faubert, Reid, Etherington, Boa Morte, Ashton, Bellamy.