Manchester United legend David Beckham has received an unexpected financial boost after being linked with an extraordinary Red Devils takeover bid
David Beckham
David Beckham has been linked with a Manchester United takeover
View 3 Images
David Beckham has revealed a surprise financial boost amid suggestions he could front a Manchester United takeover. Since Saudi sports kingpin Turki Al-Sheikh stirred the pot by suggesting new investment was imminent at Old Trafford, other reports have suggested an unnamed consortium from the UAE is gearing up to make an offer for the Glazers’ shareholding in the club.
It is claimed the group wants Beckham, who boasts a net worth of around £300million, to be involved in the bid, although as an ambassador rather than a benefactor. Beckham's earnings have soared since he retired from playing, thanks to various commercial deals and savvy investments.
He is also a part-owner of MLS side Inter Miami and League Two club Salford City, whose primary ownership group includes his best mate, Gary Neville. During a recent visit to Salford, Beckham revealed to Neville a financial boost he had recently uncovered.
Speaking to Neville as they toured the city as part of a club documentary series, Beckham said: “Do you remember our pensions? I forgot I had a pension."
Neville then quipped: "That’s when you know you’ve got a lot of money, when you forget you’ve got a pension!" Beckham went on: "I found my pension, it’s gone up quite a lot."
Neville, now a successful businessman, then recalled a pension-related blow he once suffered. He said: "My PFA pension, there was a maximum cap you could put in. Do you remember that? I got to the cap and moved my pension money into another pension so I could buy commercial property. Lost everything."
As Beckham chuckled, Neville laughed: "It’s not funny!" When Neville was asked if he had always been a good businessman, Beckham interjected: "Obviously not!"
David Beckham talking to Gary Neville
Beckham reveals his pension pot discover to Gary Neville
View 3 Images
Neville added: "That’s probably the one big mistake that I’ve made. But your pension should be the safest thing in the world."
Beckham’s pension pot discovery is unlikely to make a dent in any United takeover bid, with the Glazers believed to want in the region of £5billion for the club. The unpopular American owners have taken a backseat since Sir Radcliffe’s Ineos Group bought a 27.7 per cent stake and assumed control of football operations.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's running of the club has been criticised by United fans
View 3 Images
But the team hasn’t moved forward under Ratcliffe’s watch, while controversial mass cuts have been made off the pitch, leading to frustrated United fans demanding a change of direction.
But despite Al-Sheikh’s eyebrow-raising declaration, club insiders have been left surprised by the recent takeover talk, while Radcliffe made no reference to fresh investment during a wide-ranging interview earlier this month.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image