David Beckham, the former Manchester United star, is said to be “nervous” about his daughter, Harper, entering the dating scene in the future, according to a source.

The football legend, 49, shares a “special bond” with his youngest child, Harper, who turns 13 this month.

In a past interview following her birth in 2011, David humorously expressed his protective nature, stating that all he needed was a “shotgun”.

A source has now claimed to Heat magazine: “David and Harper have such a special bond. He is naturally a protective dad, so obviously, he’s nervous of anyone hurting his little girl.”

While she is still young, David understands that any dating at this stage would be innocent,

but he also recognises that it will become more challenging as she grows older, reports the Mirror.

His eldest children, Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 19, were allowed to date during their teenage years.

However, the idea of Harper doing the same doesn’t sit well with David, Heat reports.

Harper was born at a time when her parents were at different stages in their careers. With David having retired from football, he spent more time at home, making him feel sentimental as she transitions into her teenage years.

An insider told the magazine that Harper has “really started changing”, and in some ways, David “yearns” for the days when she was little.

An insider revealed: “She’s getting dressed up a lot more, using make-up, having her hair done, going out with friends, and is always chatting about fashion and beauty with her mum.”

Victoria and David are known for their close-knit family, but it seems David has a unique set of rules for his daughter.

Back in 2013, he jokingly declared that he was banning her from dating boys.

He stated she’s “not going out” and would be “like Rapunzel – up in the tower”. David clarified that he doesn’t love his daughter “more”, but explained his older sons are “independent”.

The source also claimed that David acknowledges his daughter has “three protective brothers” who will “look out for her”, and that he recognises she’s “very sensible”.

Harper was seen embracing her dad in a heartwarming Father’s Day photo last month as Victoria, 50, gave fans a sneak peek into their family life on Instagram.

David marked the special day by posting a photo of his four children, referring to them as his “biggest achievement” in the caption and expressing gratitude to Victoria for their blissful family.