David Beckham has emerged as a PR pawn in the billion-dollar battle for ownership of Manchester United as the ‘soft’ deadline to submit a bid looms.
The Glazer family, who currently own the Red Devils, have set a deadline of Friday for interested parties to officially submit bids to take the club off their hands.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men with a staggering estimated net worth of $15 billion, per Forbes, is one name who has made his interest in buying the club public.
The Telegraph also reports American consortiums and Middle East investors are also in the mix, with at least four groups emerging as serious contenders.
Despite the different backgrounds of all reported bidders, they are united by one thing: securing Beckham to be a public backer for their bids.
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The Telegraph claims the bidders are prepared for what’s being described as a PR war and the former United star and England captain is seen as an ideal candidate for a public face.
However, the report claims Beckham has turned down all approaches so far.
Beckham will also reportedly not be attached to any bids from Qatar, the nation whom he signed a $21m, three-year ambassadorial deal with.
Since his retirement from football in 2013, Beckham has stepped up his investments in football.
The 47-year-old is a director and owns a minority stake in League 2 side Salford City along with former United teammates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes as well as Gary and Phil Neville.
He is also a co-owner of MLS outfit Inter Miami CF, who enjoyed their best season in 2022 having finished 6th in the Eastern Conference.
