David Beckham in talks to front new Man Utd takeover bid as Glazers make £5bn decision

David Beckham has been approached to front a fresh takeover bid at Manchester United, with a consortium from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) preparing an offer for the Glazers’ majority shares in the club

Manchester United icon David Beckham has been approached to lead a new takeover bid at Old Trafford. An undisclosed consortium from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to make an offer for the Glazers’ majority shares in the club.

The group wants former England star Beckham, who already owns stakes in Inter Miami and Salford City, to serve as an ambassador for their bid. They plan to offer the 50-year-old, who’s worth a hefty £300 million, the opportunity to invest in United.

Beckham, who made almost 400 appearances for United, is the consortium’s top choice to spearhead the bid. However, other ex-players, including Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, are also being considered.

Despite having criticised the Glazers’ contentious ownership in the past, Beckham could face a steep price tag if he decides to get involved – as the Glazers would only consider offers exceeding £5 billion for their stake. This figure is more than double the club’s current stock market value.

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The Glazers took over two decades ago in a £790m deal, with the club’s current value sitting around £2bn. However, the American businessmen would demand a significant premium to account for any potential future increase in United’s value, especially if the club goes ahead with plans to build a new state-of-the-art stadium.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos took over football operations after purchasing a 27.7 per cent stake in February 2024, which has since grown to nearly 29 per cent. Despite Ratcliffe’s minority takeover, recent rumours suggest that the United co-owner might be forced to sell his share due to a clause in an agreement with the Glazers, should they choose to sell their controlling shares.

Earlier this month, insiders at the club revealed that the club’s top brass were surprised by takeover chatter. Turki Al-Sheikh, a big name in Saudi Arabian sports, caused a buzz among fans and staff at United when he hinted on social media that the club was on the brink of new investment.

READ MORE: Inside Man Utd legends’ bitter feud after embarrassing snub sparked ‘loathing’

Even though he later clarified his comments on social media, the rumour mill has been churning non-stop ever since. United face Liverpool in a huge Premier League clash on Sunday.

Ruben Amorim told club media: “Firstly, I know what it means to everyone here. I try to make it the same thing because for me to win against a fourth division team is always the same responsibility.

“We need to address every game like it is Liverpool away so that is my focus. But, of course, I know that it is a different game. We have not won there for a while, so we want to change that.”