Rio Ferdinand has confirmed that Manchester United icon David Beckham “will come with a consortium” in an effort to complete a takeover at Old Trafford.
The current owners of the Red Devils, the Glazer family, have already confirmed their desire to “explore strategic alternatives” for the club, something that could include further investment or an outright sale. The Raine Group have been named as United's exclusive financial adviser in the event of any takeover, with a few interested parties already named.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly among those eyeing a deal having been beaten by Todd Boehly in his efforts to buy Premier League rivals Chelsea. In the meantime, Apple and Dubai-based investors have also been mentioned over recent days.
A surprise option could well be former Man Utd midfielder Beckham. Already part-owner of MLS outfit Inter Miami, the 47-year-old has been backed to make a move for the Red Devils by his ex-teammate Ferdinand, but only as part of a group.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand said: “Becks will come with a consortium. I saw Becks last night at the game, I went to the England game and we were sat next to each other.
“He smelt beautiful, looked beautiful. He looked a million dollars, as he normally does. He didn’t look 10 billon dollars’ worth [the amount it might take to buy United].
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“But when you mention someone like Becks’ name, he’s obviously a part-owner of Inter Miami, but he doesn’t come [alone]. It’s not his money. It’s not him in terms of putting his hand in his pocket.
“He comes with a consortium. He comes with people who do have deep pockets who have the ability to go and execute on a deal like that.
“So that’s the way he’ll be approaching it, and rightly so. I just think it’s going to come down to a number. If you’ve got the number, and you can produce, that’s what it’s going to be about.”
It remains to be seen whether Beckham indeed makes a move for Man Utd in the foreseeable future but it is sure to cost him and any other investors a considerable amount. It is suggested that the Glazers could ask for anywhere between £6-£8billion.
That price would see United become the most expensive Premier League team in history - surpassing the £4billion total Boehly committed to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich earlier this year.
Should Beckham be part of the successful bid, it would signal the Englishman’s first return to the club since his 2003 exit for Real Madrid.
