David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand openly expressed their opinions regarding Sheikh Jassim’s bid to acquire Manchester United. Both former players highlighted their perspectives on the potential ownership change, shedding light on the possible implications for the club’s future under Sheikh Jassim’s proposed leadership.
The potential acquisition of Manchester United by a Qatari consortium, led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, generated widespread debate and divided opinions last year. The proposal, which was to be executed through the Nine Two Foundation, ultimately fell apart when the group officially withdrew from the bidding process in October. This withdrawal paved the way for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company, Ineos, to secure a significant minority stake in the club without facing competition from rival bidders.
Despite their acquisition, the first year under Ratcliffe’s partial ownership has been far from smooth sailing. As the holiday season offers a moment for reflection, the opinions of three former Manchester United icons—David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Rio Ferdinand—provide valuable insights into the discourse surrounding the Qatari bid and the club’s ongoing ownership saga.
David Beckham’s Perspective
In October of last year, David Beckham expressed optimism about the potential for a takeover, remarking, “I think there will be a takeover; I think it’s the right time.” He emphasized the importance of finding the right steward for the club, stating, “We all have our own opinions on who we feel should take over, but in my opinion, it’s whoever cares about the club the most and who can take it back to where it should be.”
Beckham reiterated his desire to see Manchester United return to its former glory, reflecting the sentiments of the fan base. “We all have our own favourites of who we feel need to run the club and look after the club and take the club back to where it belongs,” he added. “In our eyes, in the fans’ eyes, we’re number one, and we want to be back at the top. I believe I know the right people to do that.” Beckham’s comments underscored his hope for an ownership group that prioritizes the club’s legacy and success.
Gary Neville’s Stance
Gary Neville, another legendary figure in United’s history, shared his thoughts on the possibility of state ownership in football. Speaking to Marca in September of last year, Neville remarked, “I’m not opposed to ‘state-owned clubs.’ I haven’t been opposed to Newcastle United or Manchester City.” He acknowledged the intense scrutiny that Manchester United would face under such a model due to the club’s global prominence, noting, “The reality is that Abu Dhabi has owned Manchester City for 15 years.”
When the Qatari consortium withdrew from the process in October, Neville voiced his disappointment. He reiterated his stance that the Glazer family, the club’s longstanding owners, should sell their entire stake rather than just a portion. He referred to the Qatari withdrawal as leaving the club “on the brink of a minority investment” and questioned the viability of the resulting ownership structure, asking, “Can this really work?”
Rio Ferdinand’s Reaction
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand had expressed significant enthusiasm about the prospect of a Qatari-led takeover. Speaking in June of last year, he stated, “The Manchester United takeover is imminent. We’re hearing the Qatari bid is the one that’s taking over, the one that’s gonna be accepted and the one that is gonna go through. Hallelujah, man. We can’t wait. Please let this happen; please let it be true.”
Ferdinand lamented the protracted nature of the negotiations and criticized the Glazer family for delaying the process. “Look how long this has gone on for. The Glazers have dug their heels in,” he said. Ferdinand also acknowledged the financial dynamics at play, commenting, “It seems like the biggest bidder, the person that bids the most money, is gonna get the club, which is normal in negotiations, but they’ve certainly dragged their heels.” He concluded by emphasizing the widespread anticipation for a Qatari takeover, calling it something “we’ve been waiting for for a long time.”
A Divided Legacy
The failed Qatari bid and the subsequent minority investment by Ineos continue to shape the narrative around Manchester United’s ownership. The perspectives of Beckham, Neville, and Ferdinand highlight not only the divided opinions on the Qatari proposal but also the shared desire among fans and former players to see the club regain its stature as a dominant force in global football. As the new ownership enters its second year, the legacy of these pivotal moments in the club’s history will undoubtedly remain a topic of reflection and debate.
