Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is facing renewed criticism from supporters following the club’s difficult start to the season, with former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse suggesting that club icon David Beckham could become a potential successor if INEOS eventually decides to sell its stake.

United managed to end a nine-game winless run on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after producing a dramatic comeback against Roma in the Champions League.

Michael Carrick’s side looked on course for another disappointing result after falling two goals behind, but Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot before Matheus Cunha scored twice to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The victory provided some relief for Carrick, who has been under growing pressure because of United’s poor performances this season.

However, the atmosphere around the club remained tense, with supporters at Old Trafford directing their frustration towards the ownership during the Roma match.

Ratcliffe and the Glazer family were among those targeted by fans during the protests, once again highlighting the continued dissatisfaction surrounding United’s ownership.

Reports say the Manchester United takeover prices ranges within £5 billion, approximately Ksh871.65 billion.

Ratcliffe admits he could walk away

Ratcliffe, 74, has been a target of criticism from sections of the United fanbase since his INEOS group purchased a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United in December 2023.

Through INEOS, Ratcliffe has responsibility for football operations at the club, while the Glazer family remains the majority shareholder.

The British billionaire has previously acknowledged that persistent hostility from supporters could eventually influence his decision to remain involved at Old Trafford.

Speaking to The Times in 2025, Ratcliffe said:

“I mean, I can put up with it for a while,” Ratcliffe told The Times in 2025. “I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make at the moment.

“If I draw a bit of the ire, I can put up with that. But I’m no different to the average person. It’s not nice, particularly for friends and family. So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, ‘Look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this’.

Ratcliffe also pointed out that the Glazers have largely withdrawn from public view, leaving him to absorb much of the anger directed at the club’s ownership.

“They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the stick. We bought in and I haven’t seen them since. It’s, ‘Thank you, Jim, you’re doing a really good job.”

“At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that. But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”

Beckham tipped as possible successor

Amid the growing debate over United’s ownership, former Premier League striker Djibril Cisse has floated the idea of David Beckham becoming a future owner of the club.

Beckham, one of Manchester United’s most celebrated former players, already has experience at ownership level as a co-owner of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

Cisse believes the former England captain would be a strong candidate to take over should INEOS eventually decide to dispose of its Manchester United stake.

“Could David Beckham replace the Glazers and INEOS at Manchester United? Why not?” ex-Liverpool star Cisse said to Mr Gamble. “He’s doing a good job at Inter Miami.

“He has an aura, he has a name, he’s David Beckham, and he carries real weight in world football. So yes, why not?”

Beckham’s global reputation and his existing involvement in football ownership make him, according to Cisse, a potentially attractive figure to lead United into a new era.

Cisse also wants Keane in charge

Cisse’s proposed Manchester United rebuild does not stop at the boardroom.

Should Beckham become involved in the ownership of the club, the former Liverpool forward believes another United legend, Roy Keane, could be the ideal man to take charge of the team.

Keane enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Old Trafford as a player and later managed Sunderland, where he worked with Cisse.

Cisse believes bringing the former United captain back as manager alongside Beckham would create a strong connection with the club’s history.

“It would be another club legend coming back. If it were him and Roy Keane, that would be amazing.

“Keane has the weight of experience and history. He is a strong personality and he’s an icon of the club.”

The suggestions come at a turbulent period for Manchester United, with pressure being placed not only on Carrick because of results but also on the club’s leadership following another difficult start to the campaign.

For now, Ratcliffe remains in charge of the football operation under the INEOS structure, while Beckham’s possible involvement remains a proposal rather than an active takeover bid.