“Would mean the world” – David Beckham discusses possibility of involvement in new Man Utd era
David Beckham has admitted that it would mean the world to him to be involved in the new ownership of Manchester United.
The future of the Red Devils has been a big topic of conversation this summer with a potential takeover having been in the works for some time now. But as things stand, with less than two weeks to go before the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Man Utd are still owned by the Glazers.
Man Utd fans have been calling for the Glazers to sell the club for years with protests becoming more frequent in recent times and it felt as though this would be the summer they finally got their wish. According to reports, Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani is the front runner to buy Man Utd, but fans aren’t too happy with that development given the country’s human rights situation.
UK billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also in the running, rivalling Sheikh Jassim’s bid, but there are some fears from Man Utd fans that the Glazers may decide not to sell the club at all.
However, Beckham, who came through the academy at Man Utd and was part of their famous Class of 92, believes it is time for the Glazers to pack up and leave Old Trafford.
“I think so,” Beckham told The Athletic when asked if it was time for the Glazers to sell Man Utd.
“I think it’s purely because the fans want it. Once you lose the fans, especially at a club like Manchester United, it’s hard to get them back.
“Obviously, they [Glazers] have achieved a lot, and financially, the fact we’re even talking about the numbers of what Manchester United will sell for shows the success they’ve had. But there needs to be change. We’ve all seen that, we all know that.”
Aside from the overall purchase of the club, there are also talks about groups being set up to help with the running of Manchester United, and a shakeup in the boardroom. Often, it’s good to get those who ‘know the club’ in at the higher levels even if they’re only in ceremonial roles, with former players and managers a very easy option.
Beckham currently has his hands full as co-owner of Inter Miami, who recently signed Lionel Messi in their quest to take on MLS, and they have won both of the games he has played so far, with the Argentine scoring three goals and recording one assist.
However, despite his focus on Inter Miami, Beckham hasn’t ruled out a return to Man Utd.
“I have a lot going on here at the moment and my focus has purely been on Miami and everything that goes on,” he added.
“But I haven’t been approached and I suppose any involvement with Manchester United would mean the world to me going forward.
“But who knows? We’ll see what happens in the next few weeks or months. Hopefully, a decision (around United’s ownership) gets made and if I’m involved in any way… if not, I’ll be a United fan and just do what all the other fans are doing — turn up and watch our team.”
