Former Teammate Wes Brown Calls Beckham Manchester United Ownership a 'Dream Come True'
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has expressed his heartfelt desire to see his old teammate, Sir David Beckham, take over the ownership of the iconic football club. Brown, who played alongside Beckham during their time at Old Trafford, described the prospect as a dream come true, though he remains sceptical about its immediate likelihood.
Beckham's Post-Retirement Ventures in Football Ownership
Since retiring from professional football, David Beckham has carved out a significant role in the world of club ownership. The 50-year-old is currently the team owner of Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and has also become a leading figure in the consortium that owns Salford City. His involvement in these ventures showcases his ongoing passion for the sport and his business acumen.
Beckham's journey into ownership began with a strategic move during his playing days. When he joined LA Galaxy, he negotiated a deal that granted him the right to own an expansion team at a discounted franchise fee. This led to the formation of Miami Beckham United in 2013, which later evolved into Inter Miami.
Manchester United's Ownership Landscape and Fan Sentiment
The Glazer family, who have been the major shareholders of Manchester United for years, have faced widespread criticism and unpopularity among fans. This discontent has fuelled persistent speculation about a potential sale of the club. In 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe entered the scene as a co-owner after purchasing a 27 per cent stake for £1.25 billion.
Ratcliffe's tenure has been marked by controversy, with the club implementing various cost-cutting measures, including significant redundancies. Despite his involvement, there remains a strong appetite among some supporters for a complete takeover, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty and desire for change at the highest levels of the club.
Brown's Perspective on Beckham's Potential Return
In an interview with BettingLounge, Wes Brown shared his thoughts on the possibility of Beckham returning to Manchester United as an owner. He praised Beckham's achievements with Inter Miami, noting the successful recruitment of great players and the team's growth into a global brand.
"Could Becks come back to United as owner one day? Becks has done fantastic at Inter Miami," Brown said. "He's brought in some great players. They are building the team again now to go bigger and bigger to become this worldwide brand. He’s done brilliantly in that sense."
However, Brown pointed out the differences between Inter Miami and Manchester United, emphasising that United is already a well-established global entity. "Manchester United is a little bit different. Inter Miami are a new team that needs to get itself out there to the world. I don’t think anybody thinks United need to get themselves out there!" he added.
While Brown admitted that Beckham's return would be a dream scenario, he believes it is not on the immediate horizon. "But Becks back at United? It would be a dream come true if that was ever the case but I think Sir David is busy enough at the moment," he concluded.
Beckham's Views on Club Ownership and Investment
In 2023, when Manchester United were actively seeking new owners, David Beckham shared his insights on what he believes is essential for running a successful club. He stressed the importance of passion, involvement, and making the right decisions, particularly in player recruitment and club investment.
"Whoever is running your club, you want them to be passionate, be involved, make the right decisions, bring in the right players and invest in the club," Beckham said. "Because the club does need investment, whether it’s the training facility, stadium, on the field…these kinds of big things need to be made and changes do need to happen, especially when you see the likes of Man City and what they’re doing."
This statement underscores Beckham's understanding of the challenges facing modern football clubs and the need for substantial investment to compete at the highest level, drawing comparisons with rivals like Manchester City.
