David Beckham's wealth was eclipsed by Dave Whelan at one pointDave Whelan was wealthier than former Manchester United icon David Beckham at the height of his tenure at Wigan Athletic. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, the businessman remarked: "I made the wrong decision in regards to Manchester United, because it is interesting to see what has happened since. "The purchase of Manchester United was all sorted with Martin Edwards and was going to be sealed within 28 days." He recalled: "Later I went home and said to my wife Patricia that I'd pulled off a good deal to buy Manchester United. So instead I went back to Martin Edwards and Manchester United and said the deal is done but told him that if he floated Manchester United on the stock market, he would get a lot more than £11.5m."

Source: Express March 29, 2026 08:45 UTC