Beckham-led consortium could oust Glazers

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has made a takeover claim, suggesting David Beckham should lead a consortium to oust the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He argues that the Glazer family and Ratcliffe are the main reason the club is currently broken from top to bottom. There is a clamour for new owners to take control of Manchester United.

Ownership landscape

The Glazer family still own a majority stake in Manchester United but currently have a relatively minor role. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a British businessman, has controlled the footballing operations at Old Trafford since purchasing a 27.7% stake at the start of 2024. Supporters initially backed Ratcliffe’s arrival, yet he has alienated himself over the past couple of years by making a string of huge mistakes while running Manchester United.

Scholes' vision and valuation debate

Last week a report claimed there is external interest from potential buyers for Manchester United. Scholes thinks Beckham, who already owns MLS side Inter Miami, could be the right man for the job. On The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast co‑host Paddy McGuinness asked whether a Beckham‑led consortium was the only way out.

Scholes responded, “I don’t see why not. If they’ve got the wealth to do it, he can do it, and knowing David as we do, he’d probably just sit in the background anyway.” He added that the owners haven’t worked and that Jim Ratcliffe has only been there for two and a half years, and it just hasn’t worked so far. Scholes said he would be open to anybody because of the feeling around the club about the Glazers.

Co‑host Nicky Butt warned that the biggest problem is the Glazers will want a piece of the pie, valuing the club at about 8 billion now. He does not think it is worth 8 billion because they are not going to be in the Champions League next year, which would reduce commercial rights and player values, lowering the valuation.