The Glazer family has held an ownership stake in Manchester United for over twenty years. It was in 2005 when Malcolm Glazer bought 98% shares of the club, entirely putting control of such a historic club into the hands of the Glazers. Malcolm’s five sons and daughter all now share control of the club. Avram and Joel Glazer are the most notable names to football fans as they are both chairman of Manchester United. Their late father was also the owner of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For nearly the entirety of the Glazers’ ownership of Manchester United, there have been protests. The Glazers have long been accused of stealing from the club, often taking money out and stockpiling the debt put on the club. Now there looks to be a light at the end of the tunnel for United fans.
Early this off-season, it seemed inevitable Manchester United would be sold. Doubts have crept in after little news in recent weeks, but nothing has suggested that the Glazers have changed their mind about selling. Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are seen as the two legitimate businessmen to buy Manchester United. As The Top Flight covered last month, Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim had sent an ultimatum on his bid for United, but there was no confirmation on how the Glazers responded to such a bid.
Manchester United legend David Beckham speaks out about the Glazers
In a recent interview with The Athletic, former footballer and now Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was asked about his thoughts on the Glazers and if they should leave.
"“I think it’s purely because the fans want it. Once you lose the fans, especially at a club like Manchester United, it’s hard to get them back.”"
Beckham then went on to say it was time for a change at the club.
"“But there needs to be change. We’ve all seen that, we all know that.”"
Beckham was also asked if he would have any involvement with the new ownership of Manchester United, given his football business ties.
"“I haven’t been approached and I suppose any involvement with Manchester United would mean the world to me, going forward. But who knows?”"
David Beckham has high aspirations with Inter Miami, hoping to make them one of the most recognized clubs in the world. The signing of Lionel Messi was huge in reaching such a goal. With Beckham’s strong and respectable football business ties, it would be quite a coup should he partner with Manchester United’s new ownership.