David Beckham has expressed optimism about the future of Manchester United under minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, emphasizing that fans must exercise patience as the club seeks to return to its former glory. Ratcliffe’s INEOS group took charge of Manchester United’s football operations earlier this year, but the team has struggled to find its footing in the new season, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League after seven matches and winless in two Europa League fixtures.
Beckham, a legendary figure at the club with six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy to his name, acknowledged the mounting pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. However, he believes that significant changes are necessary for the club’s revitalization. Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in Manchester United from the Glazer family in February, a move met with cautious optimism from fans who have long been dissatisfied with the American owners due to their controversial leveraged buyout of the club in 2005, which left it with substantial debt.
On the **Rio Ferdinand Presents** podcast, Beckham praised Ratcliffe, stating, “I really like Jim. I’ve met him a few times over the years with a few mutual friends. I think that he’s a fan and he’s a great businessman as well, one of the best and one of the biggest.” He added, “More importantly, the fans see that he cares, and I think that’s a big part of it. I think the fans had lost faith in the leadership over the years.”
Beckham called for patience, stressing that while fans desire a swift return to the “good old days,” rebuilding a club is a gradual process. “Hopefully, things will change but these things take time,” he noted. “We have been quite patient as United fans over the years, but we want those good old days back. We want those days back, and the sooner the better.”
In addition to his connection with Manchester United, Beckham has been actively involved in Major League Soccer (MLS) as the president of Inter Miami, a club he founded in 2018. Inter Miami recently secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record and is preparing for its first playoff campaign, buoyed by the arrival of global superstar Lionel Messi.
Reflecting on his experiences, Beckham shared that he sought guidance from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson when establishing Inter Miami. “I went to him once and said to him, ‘I’m starting this team; how would you run it?’” Beckham recounted. Ferguson’s advice helped shape Beckham’s vision for the club, and he also drew inspiration from notable figures like Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
As Manchester United prepares to host Brentford on Saturday, they will be looking for their first Premier League victory since mid-September, with Beckham’s call for patience resonating among supporters eager to see the team regain its competitive edge.
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