A source reported that Apple is interested in buying Manchester United. However, MacRumors reported that “a source familiar with the matter” has denied the tech company wanting to purchase the football club.
On 24 November, Daily Star posted an “exclusive” claiming that Apple is interested in buying Manchester United for GBP 5.8 billion (RM31 billion). This is because the Glazers, current owners of the club, have reportedly decided to sell it to the highest bidder.
Previously, the Glazers bought United in 2005 but went on to become hugely unpopular, especially in the wake of the club’s involvement in the failed European Super League proposal. Fans have since wanted them ousted.
Manchester United announced that its board planned to “explore strategic alternatives” including a potential sale of the club. The news also came on the same day that Manchester United announced that Cristiano Ronaldo would be leaving the club.
It was reported that the Glazers have set an asking price of around GBP 6 billion. And their potential buyers include the Saudi Arabian government backing private bids.
Despite the report, MacRumors claims that their source “with direct knowledge of the situation” said the report is false. However, they did not elaborate beyond that.
The report might just have been a blown-up rumour, but if Apple was to complete a deal it would make Manchester United the richest club in the world. While Apple has no previous experience owning a football club, Apple has been pushing into sports content. Apple is reportedly also a frontrunner for streaming rights to the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package.
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