Former Premier League striker Djibril Cisse has backed David Beckham to replace the Glazers and Ineos as Manchester United owner, and urged the club icon to appoint Roy Keane as manager. The calls come as discontent over the current ownership reaches an all-time high following a dire start to the season that leaves United hovering just above the relegation zone.
Beckham's Inter Miami Success Cited
Cisse, who played under Keane at Sunderland, pointed to Beckham's track record as co-owner of Inter Miami as evidence he could lift the club out of the doldrums. The former Liverpool and Sunderland striker told Mr Gamble: "Could David Beckham replace the Glazers and INEOS at Manchester United? Why not?
"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 Managerial Role
If installed, the 45-year-old believes Beckham should put fellow club legend Keane in charge of the team, even though the Sky Sports pundit hasn't managed in 15 years. Cisse added: "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. He wore the armband for so many years during United's glory days, so bringing him back would be a really good thing."
Fan Protests and Managerial Prospects
The gloom was lifted slightly by Tuesday's superb comeback win over Roma, but the Champions League clash saw an in-game protest from fans, with tennis balls launched onto the pitch. Beckham in a potential ownership role looks more likely than Keane returning to Old Trafford as manager. The Irishman hasn't completely ruled out returning to the dugout, admitting the "pilot light is still on", but says it is unlikely.
