Today, David Beckham, the proprietor of Inter Miami, formally declared the purchase of a Premier League team for a significant amount of $4 billion.

The Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, had previously expressed their openness to explore “strategic alternatives,” potentially involving partial or complete changes in ownership for the club.

Earlier this year, prospective buyers, INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, submitted separate offers to acquire Manchester United from the Glazers. However, there has been no response from the Glazer family regarding the acceptance of these proposals.

Recent developments indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is contemplating the idea of acquiring a minority stake in Manchester United. This has once again stirred dissatisfaction among Manchester United fans, who have long been critical of the Glazer ownership. Prior to the team’s 2-1 victory over Brentford, fans reiterated their call for a complete change in ownership.

During an interview with Sky Sports at the Formula 1 Qatari Grand Prix, former Manchester United player and global football icon David Beckham shared his thoughts on the ongoing takeover process. Beckham emphasized the significance of consistency for a club of Manchester United’s stature, acknowledging the various individuals whom fans believe can lead the club back to the pinnacle of football.

When asked about Sheikh Jassim’s bid, Beckham noted that everyone has their preferred candidate for running the club. Beckham’s passion for Manchester United and its fans was evident as he expressed his desire to see the club reclaim its position at the top of the footballing world, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right individuals to guide the club.

Discussing Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, Beckham empathized with him, given the team’s challenging start to the 2023-24 season, experiencing six losses in their first 11 games. He recognized the external noise and distractions surrounding the club, understanding the difficulty this creates for the manager and the team.

The ongoing discussions about the potential change in ownership at Manchester United remain a subject of great interest and speculation. Beckham’s comments underscore the passion and expectations of the fans to see the club thrive once more, highlighting the importance of making decisions that benefit the team, the supporters, the players, and the management.
This detailed summary captures a critical turning point in Manchester United’s recent history — a period defined by ownership uncertainty, passionate fan engagement, and growing frustration with the Glazer family’s handling of the club.

Here’s a **structured breakdown of where things stand and what it all means**:

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### 🟥 **Ownership: Glazers, Ratcliffe & Sheikh Jassim**

| Stakeholder | Status |
| ———————————— | ————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| **Glazers** | Remain in control, exploring “strategic alternatives” since November 2022. Open to partial sales. |
| **Sir Jim Ratcliffe (INEOS)** | Shifted from full takeover bid to a **25% minority stake** (\~£1.3bn) with sporting control. This has been **accepted** and is now **in effect**. |
| **Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani** | Withdrew his full takeover bid after Glazers showed no willingness to sell entirely. Fans widely backed his offer. |

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### 🗣️ **David Beckham’s Comments – Key Points**

* **Call for consistency**: Beckham emphasized the need for **stable leadership** and a coherent strategy.
* **Support for Ten Hag**: Sympathized with Erik ten Hag amid on-field struggles and boardroom chaos.
* **On Sheikh Jassim**: Didn’t endorse anyone outright, but acknowledged that fans have their preferences (many supported Sheikh Jassim).
* **Passion for the club**: Beckham reaffirmed his deep emotional connection to United and the fans, expressing hope for a return to greatness.

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### 🔥 **Fan Sentiment**

* **Protests continue**: The shift toward a partial stake for Ratcliffe, rather than a full Glazer exit, has angered many fans.
* **“Glazers Out”** remains a dominant message.
* Fans feel betrayed by the lack of transparency and the Glazers’ refusal to relinquish full control despite over 18 years of disconnect and underperformance.

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### ✅ **Current Situation (as of 2025)**

* **Sir Jim Ratcliffe now controls sporting decisions**, including transfers, scouting, and infrastructure through INEOS, despite only owning 27.7% of the club.
* **Joel and Avram Glazer retain majority ownership** and remain involved in commercial and financial operations.
* Ratcliffe has appointed **Dan Ashworth (Sporting Director)** and is revamping key departments with a focus on long-term football success.
* Fans remain **divided**: hopeful about INEOS’ influence but still dissatisfied due to the Glazers’ ongoing presence.

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### 📉 **Implications**

* **Best-case**: INEOS overhauls the football operations successfully, Manchester United improves on the pitch, and over time, Ratcliffe may increase his ownership stake.
* **Worst-case**: The dual-control structure creates further dysfunction, with the Glazers blocking larger reforms or refusing full sale options.

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Would you like a timeline of the Glazer–Ratcliffe–Sheikh Jassim saga or an analysis of how INEOS’ sporting control is reshaping Manchester United’s structure?