David Beckham may be rested for Manchester United's Champions League match against Olympiakos tomorrow.
The England skipper, whose stoppage-time free-kick against Greece booked the team's place in next summer's World Cup Finals, could be given a breather because of Saturday's afternoon of high emotion.
Ferguson admits captaining England has made Beckham a better player, but he is also mindful of the toll the match may have had on him, and his international club-mates, both physically and mentally.
Ferguson will not want United to suffer any after effects against Olympiakos in the Spiros Louis stadium.
"I think captaining England has inspired the lad there's no question about that," said the United manager. "He's enjoying it so it's had a benefit for David's game.
"But it was a very difficult game for England on Saturday and I think these games do have an effect. -Reuters