After their worst Premier League season in history, United looked to have missed out on European qualification altogether but their FA Cup triumph salvaged a place in the Europa League.
The Red Devils begin their Europa journey next Wednesday with a clash against Dutch side Twente at Old Trafford.
Bar Liverpool, United are the most successful English team in Champions League history with three titles to their name, including in 1999 which sealed their treble success.
Beckham played a pivotal role in that triumph and while downbeat that his boyhood club is not in the competition this season, he is confident that they will bounce back.
‘It is a little bit painful not seeing United there, but they’re going through something,’ the England legend said on CBS on Tuesday.
‘We’re too big to not to be back on this stage. So at some point, we have to be.’
While the UCL was kicking off on Tuesday evening, United had a less glamorous fixture against third-tier Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, which they won 7-0.
Asked by pundit Jamie Carragher if he was going to watch the match instead of the Champions League, Beckham laughingly admitted he ‘might struggle’ to convince a fellow A-list celebrity to watch it with him.
‘I might have to take Gaz [Gary Neville] to that one.’
This follows Beckham’s appearance at Monday’s ‘Hollywood derby’ between League One Birmingham City and Wrexham, where he was joined by the likes of Neville, Tom Brady and Rob McElhenney.
But his other former clubs – Real Madrid, AC Milan and PSG – are in the UCL this season, with Beckham especially looking forward to see Los Blancos and their new talisman in action.
‘I always look forward to the Champions League season. I was lucky enough to play in the competition with different teams and win it.
‘I always follow the teams that I played for over the years but I watch all the games. It’s the biggest and best competition.
‘It’s been a tough start to the season for them [Real], they’ve obviously bought a few new players in.
‘Kylian [Mbappe] is a special player, a special person. It’s going to take him time to figure out the balance but I’m excited to see Real Madrid this season. Once they come together I think it’s going to be incredible.’
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