Beckham, Cantona touted as PR ambassadors for UAE takeover of Manchester United

David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Eric Cantona have been tipped to become ambassadors of a UAE-led takeover of Manchester United, according to reports.

Cantona, a legend at Manchester United, is believed to have been asked by a group of UAE-based investors to lead a PR push ahead of their expected bid for ownership of the club.

It is believed that involving former stars such as Cantona, whose name is still chanted at Old Trafford despite quitting 27 years ago, the UAE consortium could win over fans who remain agitated by the Glazer family's management of the club.

GIVEMESPORT journalist Ben Jacobs has got wind of several former United players, including Cantona, have been approached to work as ambassadors for the so-far unnamed UAE consortium.

"Within the UAE, one company in particular is involved in these talks," he said.

"It is unclear whether they will front the consortium, but International Holding Company, or IHC, who have been around for about three decades, have been part of talks to put together a UAE-based consortium.

"Of course, sometimes he speaks, and a lot of what he says can't be taken seriously either. So the optics of having him as the face of it would be very interesting to me. But he is one of several ex-Man United legends not to invest, but to back a prospective consortium if it materialises."

Earlier this year, Cantona became a co-owner in FC United, a club that broke away from Manchester United, as it attempted to stop the Glazers' takeover.

Cantona has also been outspoken on several issues in the MENA region, including the war on Gaza.

Turki Al-Sheikh, the Saudi government sports and entertainment guru, has also got involved in the debate about possible changes in the top floor at Old Trafford.

"The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor," he tweeted. "I hope he's better than the previous owners."

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatari business figure who previously attempted to purchase a stake in United in 2023, it was recently rumoured that he had reignited his interest in buying the club. He later said he was not involved in any bids for Manchester United.

Once the dominant club in the Premier League, Manchester United have fallen on hard times since Alex Ferguson retired as manager, with many fans blaming the Glazers for the situation.