Ex-footballer who was richer than David Beckham agreed to buy Man Utd but wife stopped deal

Dave Whelan was worth more than former Manchester United starDavid Beckham during the peak of his ownership at Wigan Athletic. And, had he proceeded with his plans to purchase the Red Devils, his fortune could have climbed even further.

Whelan, who held the position of chairman and owner of the current League One side for two decades, steered them through an eight-year spell in thePremier League, which included a memorableFA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2013.

While the 89-year-old is no longer involved in thesport he loves, Whelan remains a significant figure of wealth in British sport. In 2011, when Beckham was playing for LA Galaxy, Whelan was officially recognised as the wealthiest Brit still involved in football, eclipsing the former England captain.

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