Tech giant Apple is interested in buying Manchester United in a £5.8billion deal.
Earlier this week, United confirmed the club was for sale shortly after announcing the mutually agreed exit of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
The club has been in the headlines for the past few weeks and now speculation over its future owners has taken a turn.
The California-based tech giant has never owned a major sports team, but according to the Daily Star, the business opportunities offered by the club would be a huge factor in their interest.
Any deal for the 20-time top-flight champions would trump Chelsea’s record £4.25billion acquisition by a Todd Boehly-led consortium earlier this year.
However, Apple is believed to be worth £2trillion, meaning any move for the club should get the financial stamp of approval.
Apple CEO Tim Cook isn’t the only one interested in taking charge of Manchester United.
Twitter CEO Elon Musk took to his newly acquired social media platform over the summer to say he would buy the club in what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek post.
UFC star Conor McGregor has also shown interest in taking over the club following the announcement of the European Super League in April after previously revealing he would like to own a sports team one day – although he won’t is not clear if it was sincere.
Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a childhood United fan, is set to be a strong contender in the coming weeks.
The Glazer family were in charge of Manchester United for a 17-year period that was shrouded in scorn from supporters opposed to their takeover.
Fans were angered by the club’s operation and took part in a number of protests supported by supporters wearing green and gold scarves to represent the club’s original colours.
But now the Glazers have warmed to the idea of selling the club with many United fans excited at the prospect.
A statement from the club on Tuesday read: “The process is designed to enhance the future growth of the club, with the ultimate aim of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
“As part of this process, the board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment in the club, sale or other transactions involving the company.
“This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and the expansion of the club’s commercial operations globally, each in the context of improving success at term of the club’s men’s, women’s and women’s teams. academy teams and provide benefits to fans and other stakeholders.
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