Gary Neville has publicly criticised David Beckham after the Inter Miami co-owner made surprising comments about Wrexham's Hollywood-backed transformation.
The former Manchester United teammates found themselves at odds after Beckham suggested Wrexham's recent success under actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney might lack authenticity.
Beckham's Controversial Remarks
During a recent interview, Beckham questioned whether Wrexham's Hollywood ownership represented "real football," sparking immediate backlash from fans and pundits alike.
"There's something special about traditional club ownership," Beckham was quoted as saying. "When celebrities get involved, you have to wonder about their true motivations."
Neville's Fiery Response
Neville, never one to mince words, took to social media to defend Wrexham's transformation under Reynolds and McElhenney.
"Absolute nonsense," Neville tweeted. "The work Ryan and Rob have done at Wrexham is incredible. They've brought hope, investment and global attention to a historic club. That's real football."
The Sky Sports pundit went further, suggesting Beckham's comments might stem from his own experiences with celebrity ownership at Inter Miami.
Wrexham's Remarkable Journey
Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over in 2020, Wrexham has experienced:
- Back-to-back promotions
- Record-breaking merchandise sales
- A hugely popular documentary series
- Significant stadium improvements
- Increased global fanbase
The Welsh club's fairytale rise has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, making Beckham's comments particularly surprising.
Football Community Reacts
The debate has divided football fans, with many pointing out that Beckham himself benefited from celebrity status during his playing career.
Others have noted that traditional ownership models have often failed lower league clubs, making Wrexham's success story worth celebrating.
As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: Wrexham's Hollywood revolution shows no signs of slowing down.
