Qatar ‘make Class of 92 gesture’ sparking Beckham involvement fears

On Friday night, there were growing suggestions that David Beckham could be involved in Qatar’s bid to purchase Manchester United after it emerged Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s Nine Two Foundation had been named in tribute to the Class of ’92. The former England captain has close links to the Middle Eastern nation after agreeing a £125million World Cup ambassador deal in 2022 – a decision that left a bad taste in the mouth back in England.

Qatar have now formally submitted their proposal to buy Manchester United for a figure worth in the region of £5billion.

Due to the Qataris’ involvement with Paris Saint-Germain, they have been forced to submit the bid via a separate scheme and vehicle, which has been labelled The Nine Two Foundation.

The Athletic are reporting that the name was designed to add sentimental value to the bid, as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is a huge admirer of the Class of 92.

Despite that, sources both involved in the bid and close to Beckham have denied that the former United winger is involved in the potential deal.

READ MORE: Man Utd takeover LIVE: Qatar make £5bn offer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe bid, four buyers at table

They are expected to propose a huge transfer war-chest for Erik ten Hag that would enable him to build a team that could dominate world football.

Sheikh Jassim’s Qatari consortium said via an official statement following their offer: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories.

“The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.

“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”

There are rival suitors at the table though with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS also understood to have made a bid prior to Friday’s 10pm deadline.

Saudi Arabia is also believed to have made a formal proposal although it’s unclear whether the offer matches that of fellow Gulf nation Qatar.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi will be a key figure in any Qatari ownership bid for the club, even though he will allegedly have no direct involvement in the club should the takeover be successful.

US-based duo Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who have shares in Crystal Palace, are also interested in buying a minority stake at Old Trafford.