07 October 2023 , 18:27
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David Beckham indicated he knew who would be best to take ownership of Manchester United during a trip to Qatar but stopped short of outright confirming Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani had his backing.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim is one of two prominent bidders aiming to get a takeover over the line. British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also hopeful of taking charge, though current owners the Glazer family could yet opt to remain in control.
Beckham, who received criticism for an ambassadorial deal around the Qatar World Cup in 2022, has been in the gulf state for the weekend's Formula 1 action. Speaking to the media, the 48-year-old was quizzed on his takeover preference moments after United secured a crucial Premier League victory at home to Brentford.
Beckham was asked by Sky Sports about the takeover situation as well as the situation facing under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag. "I think he's a good coach," he began. "It's a difficult time at the moment but there's a lot of noise around the club at the moment so it can't be easy for him.
"We all want that noise to go away and we all want a decision to be made. For the club, for the fans, for the players and for the manager as well, because we are one of the if not the biggest club in the world and we want stability, and I think that's the most important thing.
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"We all have our favourites of who we feel needs to run the club and look after the club and take the club back to where it belongs, but in our eyes, in the fans' eyes, we're number one and we want to be back at the top, and I believe I know the right people to do that." When asked if he was referring to Sheikh Jassim, he smiled and simply said "we'll see".
Who would you like to see take ownership of Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section
David Beckham was asked about the Manchester United takeover situationWhile the takeover debate rumbles on, United earned an important three points in the Premier League. Mathias Jensen put Brentford in front at Old Trafford, leaving United at risk of ending the day with just nine points from eight games, only for Scott McTominay to score twice in time added on.
"You make your own luck," Ten Hag said after his team's dramatic victory. "I am really proud of this team. They kept going the whole game. They kept the faith."
"I want to thank the fans. They kept us going and we made the turning point. You felt the explosion. To describe this feeling.. I can't.. but it's a great feeling I can tell you that."