Consortium targets Cantona, Rooney and Beckham as ambassadors in potential takeover bid
A group of investors based in the United Arab Emirates are making plans to purchase Manchester United from majority owners, the Glazer family.
The group believe the Glazers are still open to selling the club and are understood to be preparing a formal proposal to present to them.
Reports are that it could take up to £6bn to prise the club away from its American majority shareholders.
The consortium is also trying to build credibility and connect emotionally with United’s global fan base by securing the support of the club’s footballing legends and using them as the face of the takeover, according to The Guardian.
Former United winger Eric Cantona, who wore the famous No 7 shirt, has already been approached to serve as an ambassador for a possible bid to buy the club.
The club’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney and “Class of ‘92” icon David Beckham are also on their shortlist for similar roles.
This comes less than two years after the Glazers concluded a bidding process and sold 27.7% of the club to current minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe took over control of the club’s footballing operations according to his agreement with the American owners However, a full sale of their shares by the Glazers could disrupt that arrangement..
