There is an article in the Sun today which makes the bold claim that David Beckham and his 'Class of '92' teammates are poised to make a '£2 billion' Qatari-backed takeover bid for Manchester United.
The high-profile group of ex-players are said to be in talks with a consortium interested in buying the Glazers' remaining 90% stake in the club, which they have owned since 2005. They also claim that "horseracing trainer Ged Mason, bookmaker Fred Done and several millionaire City figures are said to be among those contacted about the buyout."
Citing an unnamed 'source', the tabloid said that “The Glazers have lost interest. Everyone knows the club is effectively for sale.
“It’s just a question of getting the right price where they recoup their money and make a bit to save face.”
They suggest that connections made by Beckham during his five-month spell at Qatari-owned PSG would be critical to brokering any deals. He would be joined by Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
The divisive publication contends that supposedly critical comments made by Dwight Yoke and Gary Neville amount to a veiled statement of intent to move against the current ownership, while Paul Scholes' remark about Moyes needing "backing over the summer" has been construed similarly.
The story included an interesting quote from sports business consultant David Bick, who said: “I don’t believe the Glazers are in it for the long haul — they are in it for the money.
“The business itself is not worth £2billion, that would be a trophy bid. It would be from someone who wants to own United for prestige, not profit.”
Should it ever become a reality, a successful Qatari bid for Manchester United would be a considerable PR coup for the state, whose 2022 World Cup preparations have attracted much criticism worldwide. It would also be a source of rivalry between themselves and the Emirati owners of Manchester City.
If this striking rumour is true - and BOD knows we hope it is - it would easily be the biggest sports business event of the decade, and no doubt a source of huge relief for the United faithful.
However, the key indicator of the wobbly veracity of the claim is the use of the word 'poised'. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines the verb 'to poise' as "to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally" - in which case let me officially state that I too am also poised to take over at Old Trafford, should I be given the backing of an oil-rich Gulf state emir.
In any case, the story has led to a conversation in Balls Towers this morning as to who would be the main figures at Old Trafford should the Class of '92 ever get into that position - would Ryan Giggs make a good United manager, backed by Gary Neville as assistant and Paul Scholes as youth team coach? Have Gary's astute punditry pronouncements made him a candidate for the main job himself?
Kevin Pilkington could look after the keepers, while Keith Gillespie could act as 'moderation supervisor', providing sage cautionary tales and making sure the lads stay out of the bookies.
