Manchester United legend David Beckham receives unexpected financial backing after being involved in unusual Red Devils takeover bid
David Beckham has revealed a surprise financial boost amid speculation he could spearhead a takeover bid for Manchester United. Since Saudi Arabian sporting mogul Turki Al Sheikh caused a furore by suggesting a new investment at Old Trafford was imminent, other reports have suggested that an unnamed consortium from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing an offer for the Glazer family’s stake in the club.
It is claimed the group wants Beckham, who has a net worth of around £300m, to take part in the bid as an ambassador rather than a patron. Beckham’s income has skyrocketed since his retirement, thanks to various commercial deals and smart investments.
He is also a co-owner of MLS team Inter Miami and League Two club Salford City, whose main ownership group includes close friend Gary Neville. During a recent visit to Salford, Beckham revealed to Neville about his recently discovered financial boost.
“Remember our pension? I forgot we had a pension,” Beckham told Neville, who was touring the city as part of the club’s documentary series.
Neville then quipped: “That’s when you know you have a lot of money and you forget you have a pension!” Beckham continued: “I found a pension. It’s gone up quite a bit.”
read more: David Beckham speaks eloquently about Glazers amid Man United’s new takeover planread more: David Beckham’s astronomical net worth on the verge of buying Man United
Neville, now a successful businessman, recalled the pension-related hit he once experienced. He said: “My PFA pension had a cap on what you could put into it. Remember that? I reached the cap and transferred my pension to another pension so I could buy commercial property. I lost everything.”
Beckham chuckled and Neville laughed: “That’s not funny!” When asked if Neville was always a good businessman, Beckham interjected: “Obviously not!”
Mr Neville added: “That’s probably one of the biggest mistakes I made, but your pension should be the safest thing in the world.”
The discovery of Beckham’s pension pot is unlikely to affect United’s takeover bid, with the Glazer family thought to be seeking around £5bn for the club. The unpopular American owner has been on the back burner since Lord Radcliffe’s Ineos Group bought a 27.7 per cent stake and took over control of the football business.
But while controversial cuts have been made off the pitch, the team has made no progress under Ratcliffe, with disgruntled United fans demanding a change of direction.
But despite Al Sheikh’s eyebrow-raising declaration, club officials were surprised by the recent takeover talks, while Radcliffe made no mention of new investment in a wide-ranging interview earlier this month.
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