Elon Musk Eyes Manchester United Purchase, Later Recants

Posted on: August 17, 2022, 11:54h. 

Last updated on: August 17, 2022, 03:28h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Outspoken multibillionaire Elon Musk said on Tuesday he was looking to buy Manchester United. The English Premier League (EPL) fans thought it was a relatively good idea. Until the SpaceX and Tesla founder later said it was only a joke.

Elon Musk
Billionaire Elon Musk in an updated public appearance. He recently suggested he would buy the EPL’s Manchester United soccer team, only to confirm later it was just a joke. (Image: Getty Images)

Musk made his announcement on Twitter, telling his more than 103 million followers the good news. Quickly, the message became a global trend, receiving 755,400 likes, more than 112,600 retweets and about 22,000 comments at press time.

The reaction was mixed, as expected among a polarized fan group. However, when Musk dismissed the idea, any elation turned into frustration.

Man U Off To a Slow Start

The EPL season is now underway, and Man U isn’t getting off on the right foot. The team lost its first game against Brighton before following up with a 4-0 shutout to Brentford. As a result, when Musk chimed in with his purchase, some fans enthusiastically supported the news.

It took Musk five hours to break the news that he was not serious about buying the team. He added to his Twitter thread and explained that it was just a “running joke.” However, he pointed out that if he were to buy a team, it would be Man U. He called it his “favorite team as a kid.”

Man U, which recently tapped Betfred as its official sports betting partner, has big talent on the team. Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, and others line the field. But the team still hasn’t been able to win since last May.

The team hasn’t had a first-place finish in the EPL since 2013. Unfortunately, things might get worse before they get better. Ronaldo is reportedly shopping for a new home and has received permission to find one after the transfer window closes. However, the man with a $100-million foot has denied the rumors.

Despite the dry spell, Man U is also one of the soccer clubs with the most fans worldwide. It has been champion 20 times and has won the European Cup three times.

The rough season start has also been reflected in sportsbooks. The team now sits at the bottom of the EPL rankings, and the odds of it being relegated are increasing. In an interview with Sport Bible, William Hill said that action on Man U relegation is at “levels never before seen” by the sportsbook.

Sale in the Works?

The US-based Glazer family has owned the team since 2005; however, the family has come under increased pressure to sell recently. Fans have blamed the family for the inability to sign top talent during the last season, as well as the team finishing sixth in the EPL while Manchester City won a second consecutive title.

The Glazer family is now considering selling a minority stake in the team, according to reports from several media sites. The owners have reportedly held preliminary discussions about the possibility of bringing in a new investor recently, according to Bloomberg, who put the potential sale of shares at $6M. But according to Bloomberg, the Glazers are unlikely to walk away from the team completely.

The Glazers also own the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If anyone could seriously consider taking the Glazers up on their offer, it’s Musk. He’s trying to get out of a $44-billion deal to buy Twitter. He also recently sold nearly $7 billion in Tesla shares.

Man U, listed as MANU on the New York Stock Exchange for a decade, has seen its ups and downs. On April 8, it was worth $14.72 before plummeting to $10.74 on June 16. However, it has improved since that fall, reaching $13.52 this morning.