Manchester United icon David Beckham has received some unexpected financial news after being linked with a shock Red Devils takeover bid
David Beckham
David Beckham has been linked with a potential Manchester United takeover
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David Beckham has disclosed an unexpected financial windfall amid speculation he could front a Manchester United takeover bid.
Following Saudi sports chief Turki Al-Sheikh's hints that fresh investment was on the cards at Old Trafford, additional reports have indicated an unnamed consortium from the UAE is preparing to table an offer for the Glazers' stake in the club.
The group reportedly wants Beckham, whose estimated net worth stands at approximately £300million, to feature in the bid, though as a figurehead rather than a financial backer. Beckham's income has skyrocketed since hanging up his boots, courtesy of numerous commercial partnerships and shrewd investments.
He also holds part-ownership of MLS outfit Inter Miami and Salford City, whose main ownership group features his close friend, Gary Neville. During a recent trip to Salford, Beckham shared with Neville details of a financial surprise he had recently discovered.
Speaking to Neville while touring the city as part of a club documentary series, Beckham said: "Do you remember our pensions? I forgot I had a pension."
David Beckham talking to Gary Neville
Beckham reveals his pension pot discover to Gary Neville
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Neville then joked: "That's when you know you've got a lot of money, when you forget you've got a pension!" Beckham continued: "I found my pension, it's gone up quite a lot."
Neville, a successful businessman, recounted a past financial setback related to his pension. He revealed: "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 at the story, Neville retorted: "It's not funny!" When asked if he had always been a savvy businessman, Beckham quipped: "Obviously not!"
Neville conceded: "That's probably the one big mistake that I've made. But your pension should be the safest thing in the world."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's running of the club has been criticised by United fans
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Despite Beckham's pension revelation, it's unlikely to impact any potential takeover bid for United, with the Glazers wanting around £5billion for control of the club. The unpopular American owners have taken a backseat since Sir Radcliffe's Ineos Group acquired a 27.7 per cent stake and took over football operations.
However, under Ratcliffe's stewardship, the team hasn't progressed, while significant cuts have been made off the pitch, leading to disgruntled United fans calling for a change in direction.
Despite Al-Sheikh's surprising statement, insiders at the club have been left surprised by recent takeover rumours, while Radcliffe didn't mention any new investment during an extensive interview earlier this month.
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