The end of 2022 should be a soccer spectacle, as the World Cup 2022 is underway in Qatar. But since the tournament takes place in a conservative Muslim-majority nation, authorities restricted human rights, including the availability of alcohol inside World Cup stadiums. That has spawned a significant backdrop, with some people criticizing FIFA alongside the host country.
However, against this boycott movement, the craziest rumor spread on social media on Nov. 24th. Apple intends to acquire the famous UK club Manchester United. The California-based tech company is ready to offer £5.8 billion ($7 billion) for the club. With that sort of deal, Apple would make the most expensive purchase up to now. That’s why we’ve broken down all the details coming up this week.
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What is known about Manchester United?
Sure, Man United is one of the most successful soccer clubs in the UK and Europe. It is where David Beckham shined before moving to Real Madrid, and where Cristiano Ronaldo played in his early years. In 2005, the club was acquired by Malcolm Glazer, but after his death, the management was taken over by his son.
Club’s Successes
Under the Glazers, United F.C. has won a total of 66 trophies, with 20 top flight titles, including 13 in the Premier League period. The England club has acquired six FA Super Cups, four English League Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League, plus a record 21 Charity Shields. At the same time, most of the successes fell during the work of coach Alex Ferguson, who left the club in 2013.
Despite some failures in recent years, Manchester United has emerged as the https://gg206.bet/en-ca bookmaker favorites to lift the WC 2022 trophy alongside the likes of Brazil and Argentina.
Also, United F.C. is one of the most expensive soccer clubs in the world according to Forbes. It ranks third with an estimated value of $4.5 billion. Only two Spanish clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are ahead of Man United with an estimated value of more than $5 billion both.
Why do the Glazers Want to Sell Manchester United?
The Glazers bought Man United in 2005 but went on to become hugely unpopular. The tipping point came in the wake of the club’s involvement in the European Super League proposition and subsequent criticism that followed.
On Nov. 23rd, 2022, the current owners of the club officially announced their readiness to sell the club. The statement says that the board of directors is ready to consider “all strategic options.” At the same time, the owners do not guarantee that the Red Devils will still be put up for sale.
What is Tim Cook’s Plan?
As Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook will soon explore the opportunities that might open up in case of buying the Red Devils, after which he is ready to start negotiations with the banks appointed to oversee the sale.
Back in 2020, Apple first started to make a big deal of soccer with the help of its Apple TV Plus television series Ted Lasso. And now, the tech firm launched a podcast based on the TV show to celebrate the World Cup in Qatar.
Also, part of Cook’s plan might have Apple funding the building of a new “state-of-the-art” stadium for the Red Devils. That said, neither Cook nor Manchester United have commented on that sort of deal.
Other Potential Buyers of Manchester United
Apple is not the first potential buyer of Man United. Previously, the applicants included Amazon, and Meta, as well as the authorities of Middle Eastern countries, in particular, the UAE and Qatar, and British businessman Jim Ratcliffe. Let’s take a look at these potential buyers of the Red Devils by net worth.
Amazon – Net Worth $950 Billion
The American technology retail giant is said to be one of the big parties considering a bid to purchase Man United. The current owners of Manchester United are prepared to sell the club with a deal expected to be worth around $10 billion.
Dubai Sovereign Wealth Fund – Net Worth $305 Billion
The wealth fund in Dubai has also expressed interest in buying United F.C. Similar wealth funds across the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) have made bids for football clubs in top European leagues, but Dubai has yet to join them.
Meta – Net Worth $245 Billion
Along with Amazon, social media firm Meta has been linked with a bid for the Red Devils. However, the company has started to make cutbacks recently, turning its focus on the metaverse.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe – Net Worth $13 Billion
During the summer of 2022, the chairman of INEOS, Jim Ratcliffe, openly talked about attempting to buy Man United, after considering a bid for Chelsea earlier this year. Recently, he has reconfirmed his interest in purchasing the Red Devils.
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