David Beckham is optimistic that minority owner Jim Ratcliffe can transform Manchester United’s fortunes but acknowledges that returning to the club’s “glory days” will take time.
British billionaire Ratcliffe’s INEOS group assumed control of Manchester United’s football operations earlier this year, but the team has struggled at the start of the new season, following last year’s FA Cup success.
Manager Erik ten Hag faces increasing pressure as United currently sit 14th in the Premier League after seven matches, and they remain winless in two Europa League games.
Beckham, who won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League with United, urged fans to remain patient with Ratcliffe’s leadership.
Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake from the club’s American owners, the Glazers, in February. The Glazers have faced heavy criticism from fans since their 2005 leveraged buyout, which left the club burdened with significant debt.
In an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Beckham expressed support for Ratcliffe and highlighted the need for a fresh direction at the club.
“I really like Jim,” Beckham said. “I’ve met him a few times over the years through mutual friends. He’s not only a fan but also a highly successful businessman—one of the best.
“More importantly, the fans recognize that he cares. That’s crucial. Over the years, fans have lost confidence in the leadership, but Jim genuinely cares about the club’s future.
“Hopefully, changes will come, but these things take time.”
“We, as United fans, have been patient for years, but we want those glory days to return as soon as possible.”
Beckham, who has been president of MLS side Inter Miami since its founding in 2018, also touched on the success of his club, which signed Lionel Messi last year and won the MLS Supporters’ Shield this season. Beckham shared how he sought advice from his former United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, on how to run the club.
“I asked him, ‘I’m starting this team; how should I run it?’” Beckham recalled. “He gave me hours of advice—about players, the academy, everything. I’ve also learned from people like Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, who always brings the best players and builds incredible infrastructure.”
Manchester United faces Brentford this Saturday as they seek their first Premier League victory since mid-September.
