Sheikh Jassim of Qatar and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of INEOS, are still in negotiations to purchase Manchester United, according to recent reports. Beckham has also suggested a preferred bidder.
After accepting a position as ambassador for the 2022 World Cup, Beckham developed relations to Qatar. Beckham recently acknowledged that he had a favored takeover candidate but would not say whether Sheikh Jassim was on his mind.
According to recent reports, Beckham might take on a similar role in Sheikh Jassim’s purchase of United. In November 2022, 90min reported that a number of potential suitors had gotten in touch with the Red Devils great to inquire about his interest in becoming involved before a final shortlist of bidders was made public.
Beckham responded to a CNBC question on whether he had spoken to Sheikh Jassim: “At this time, there has been no discussion. Due to my participation with PSG, I have had a long-standing contact with Qatar. There will undoubtedly be some relationship, and individuals will connect the dots.
“A takeover will occur; the timing is perfect. Everyone has an opinion about who should lead, but in my view it comes down to who cares the most about the club and will lead it back to where it belongs.
“Everyone knows I support Manchester United, and I have spoken out strongly against the current situation. I had a really stable upbringing there from a young age with the same proprietors and manager.
One of the top clubs in the world will always remain Manchester United. For the sake of the supporters, players, and manager, we must return to it because there is currently no stability. The conversation needs to return to the field and not off of it.
“I want to see an ownership group that will restore the team to its proper state. Although I don’t think the previous owners did a horrible job, it is the ideal moment for someone else to take over.
The INEOS bid would allow the Glazers the option to stay at Old Trafford, whilst Sheikh Jassim’s offer to the Glazers is reportedly worth a total of £6 billion, consisting of £5 billion for the club itself and an additional £1 billion in debt repayments.
