David Beckham’s ‘Role’ in Man Utd Takeover Revealed as Offer Emerges

David Beckham is identified with Inter Miami and Salford City, but he has also been linked to Manchester United.

According to reports, a group of billionaires want to acquire Manchester United and want David Beckham to lead the bid.

The Glazer family is the primary owner of the 13-time Premier League winners, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now possess 28.94% after increasing their investment in December 2024.

Ratcliffe and INEOS manage all football activities, but Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, recently drove United fans into a frenzy when he indicated he had “heard” that a fresh investment in United was imminent.

He sent a message to X: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”

The Saudi boxing boss explained the matter in a second statement, writing: “Just to be clear, I am not the investor, nor are they from my country. I’m sharing this as a fan who hopes the trade will happen, while it may not. However, according to The Mirror, UAE (United Arab Emirates) millionaires are reportedly considering a massive deal to buy the Old Trafford club.

What will Beckham’s role be?
According to reports, a consortium led by the Glazers wants to make an offer that includes former players.

Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney were examined as potential ambassadors for the proposal, but it is believed that Beckham, with his natural global appeal, is the preferred candidate.

Beckham owns holdings in MLS franchise Inter Miami and League Two outfit Salford City, but he will be given the opportunity to invest in his former club, United, for whom he played 394 games and scored 85 goals between 1992 and 2003.

Beckham, who is still a devoted Manchester United fan more than 20 years after leaving, has occasionally criticised the Glazers’ ownership.

The US family, who remain extremely popular among United supporters, is thought to be asking a £5 billion premium – £3 million more than United’s estimated value – to sell up.

In November 2022, the Glazers revealed that they were discussing possibilities with United and were open to a partial or full sale.

Ratcliffe won the auction, defeating Sheikh Jassim of Qatar, who later withdrew from the contest after being turned off by the Glazers’ valuation.

When asked about a possible return in 2023, when Qatari banker Jassim was reportedly attempting to acquire United, Beckham told The Athletic: “I suppose any association with Manchester United would mean the world to me going forward. But who knows.

“We’ll see what occurs in the coming weeks or months. Hopefully, a decision is made, and if I’m involved in any way… if not, I’ll be a United fan and do what all the other fans do: show up and cheer on our club.”

He previously served as an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022, with the arrangement estimated to be worth £125 million.