Former Manchester United winger David Beckham was a leading ambassador for Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. In a new interview, the owner of MLS outfit Inter Miami has given his verdict on the ongoing takeover at Old Trafford.
Beckham has told the Glazer family to sell Manchester United, insisting “there needs to be change”, which is better than when Wayne Rooney came out recently suggesting they deserve credit.
Unfortunately, the United takeover process has dragged on. It will soon enter its ninth month due to a delayed decision.
In terms of bidders, there are two front runners. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are eager to take control of the Premier League’s biggest club.
Speaking to The Athletic, Beckham was asked whether the Glazers should sell up. He said: “I think so. 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 [the 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.”
Beckham added: “Off the field, as a fan and ex-player, I just want it resolved. There has to be a decision [regarding the ownership].
“Whoever is running your club, you want them to be passionate, be involved, make the right decisions, bring in the right players and invest in the club.
“Because the club does need investment, whether it’s the training facility, stadium, on the field… these kinds of big things need to be made, and changes do need to happen, especially when you see the likes of Man City and what they’re doing.”
How Phil Neville reacted to getting the sack at Inter Miami
The same interview includes conversation about Beckham’s current role at Inter Miami, who brought Lionel Messi to the US this summer.
Beckham was asked how Neville took the decision, and said: “He knew it was coming and took it like a gentleman.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
