Former striker Djibril Cisse has backed David Beckham to take over Manchester United from the Glazers and INEOS, suggesting Roy Keane as his manager, as fan frustration over the club's ownership reaches unprecedented levels.
United's poor start to the season has left them close to the relegation zone, and supporters have protested during matches. Tuesday's comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League provided temporary relief, but the game was briefly halted when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch by fans demonstrating against the ownership.
Cisse backs Beckham for ownership role
Cisse, a former Liverpool and Sunderland forward, told Mr Gamble that Beckham's work as co-owner of Inter Miami shows he could revive the club. "Could David Beckham replace the Glazers and INEOS at Manchester United? Why not?" he said.
"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?"
Keane tipped for manager role
Cisse, 45, who played under Keane at Sunderland, also suggested the former United captain should be appointed manager, despite Keane not having managed in 15 years. "It would be another club legend coming back. If it were him and Roy Keane, that would be amazing," Cisse said.
"Keane has the weight of experience and history. He is a strong personality and he's an icon of the club. He wore the armband for so many years during United's glory days, so bringing him back would be a really good thing."
Reflecting on his time with Keane at Sunderland, Cisse added: "I really enjoyed working with him because he didn't judge me on what he'd heard or what people might say about my character. He trusted me, it worked very well, and I was very disappointed when he left."
"He's a coach I loved working with and whom I respect enormously. We're quite similar. We're honest, we say things straight, and once it's said, we move on. We're all in. When I do something, I do it properly. When I say something, I mean it. He's like that too, and I really, really enjoyed my time with him."
Beckham's potential ownership bid appears more likely than Keane returning to manage at Old Trafford. Keane has not ruled out a return to management but has said it is unlikely.
