With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United, could now be the right time to buy shares in one of the world’s top football teams?
To date Manchester United is the UK’s most successful football club with a following that extends around the globe – with 20 top-flight league titles, 66 major trophies and now the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
It’s going to be interesting to see what type of dynamics the club displays on the field now that its golden son has returned. Previously, and between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo scored 118 goals out of a total of 292 games.
It seems like now more than ever, the time might be right to buy shares in the Red Devils.
Originally named Newton Heath LYR FC back in 1878, it changed its name to Manchester United and made Old Trafford its home in 1910. Incredible success has made this team a local and global phenomena and one of the richest clubs in football – ranked 4th according to Forbes at a value of £2.97 billion. When it comes to investing in the club, that domain is mainly occupied by Middle Eastern sheiks and Russian Oligarchs. However, fans too can enter into this lucrative realm and invest.
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How to procure shares in Manchester United
Manchester made its way into the big league of the stock market when it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012 under the ticker name, MANU. To procure shares in MAN UTD, you’ll need to follow these basic steps:
Establish a share trading account.
Deposit funds into said account.
Look for MANU on the broker trading platform that you signed up with.
Decide how much you’d like to invest.
Invest and receive your shares.
Alternatives to buying Manchester United shares
Buying shares in Manchester United is not imperative when it comes to investing. For one thing, the procurement of shares is a pricey affair. Brokers often require, and set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission, that you have at least $25 000 in your broker account. Also, when you buy stocks, you cannot for instance just buy one for $17.28; you need to buy it in a set bundle, which in turn can be prohibitively expensive. Alternatively you could sign up with an online trading broker that offers spread betting.
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You can literally speculate on the movement of the NYSE, on which MANU is listed, or you can speculate on the share price movement of MANU. Startup capital is much less, usually in the vicinity of $500 and the potential profits can be good. Plus, with this type of broker account, you don’t have to stop at the NYSE, you can do spread betting on the biggest companies listed on FTSE 100 or the ones listed on the Japanese Nikkei 225. The options are eclectic. However, like any form of investments, risks are rife, so do your homework.
Potential risks of buying Manchester United shares
It would be impossible to speak of the risks of investment, especially in a sport club, without making mention of the global health crises. Just shy of two years ago, no one would have imagined clubs playing to empty stadiums. The entire European football fraternity has felt the backlash mainly in the form of sponsorship withdrawal. Some of the flack has been picked up by online trading platforms due to the fact that these matches are still televised and because the current health crises has forced many people to re-look their vocation options.
In terms of demographics, the football world is very much aligned with the trading world – mainly males with an interest in gambling, trading and sport. So, right now, as it stands, a lack of and alternative sponsoring is sure to affect the share price of Manchester United. If you’re going to buy shares in this top football club, you’ll need to cut out the noise, buckle down and be prepared for the long haul.
Sport
Esme Morgan calls out Manchester City over new season ticket restrictions
Danny Jones
Ex-Manchester City player and England international, Esme Morgan, has called out her old employers regarding recent updates to season ticket restrictions.
The former Man City defender, now playing for Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League, took to social media in defence of other season ticket holders who are now facing more stringent measures when it comes to attending fixtures and ultimately keeping their tickets.
In the simplest terms, season ticket holders must now personally attend at least 10 out of the 19 Premier League games, while a further six must be forwarded or sold back to the club. Other updates have also been confirmed.
While the club insist the goal is to increase attendances and reduce no-shows, as well as offer those who aren’t there week in, week out a better chance of purchasing a ticket, supporters like Morgan herself argue that the new impending policy is unfair and hasn’t been fully “thought through.”
🙋🏼♀️ I've had a season ticket, sitting alongside my family for 20 years, since 4yo. I'm a former @ManCity player, but I'm currently playing in the US and so cannot personally attend many games. My ticket is used every single game via transfer or exchange and when I'm home, I use it https://t.co/uSQQ4qhV6x
The 24-year-old Sheffield-born centre back was responding to a City journalist, Joe Bray, who was polling the public opinion on the incoming changes in the immediate aftermath of their announcement, with a “clear frustration” being noted among the majority.
Morgan came through the academy system and spent seven years at the Etihad Campus before leaving the club for the US last summer.
However, as she explained in her post, which served as a further rallying cry among fellow fans, not only does she still have a season ticket, but her family and friends make full use of it throughout the domestic campaign whilst she competes over in America.
A feature of Man City’s own website – simply entitled, ‘Esme Morgan: Blue blood’ – not only describes her as a “blue through and through” but details how she’s had a season ticket at the club since she was just 3, so it seems that confounding that the updates to the ticket policy would see her have to give it up.
She goes on to add: “Loyal fans shouldn’t be punished for circumstances which mean they are currently unable to attend games, when they may be able to in future. Especially if they make efforts to ensure their seat is not left empty! What happens in cases of illness, studying/living abroad etc?”
Don't think this idea has been thought through especially well! Any revision would be appreciated please! @ManCity@ManCityHelp
As you can see, the lifelong Blue has now urged the club to revisit their plans for season ticket renewals and eligibility processes.
Whether or not her profile as a professional footballer, former City player and women’s team academy product will help her protests make more of a splash, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Nevertheless, it shouldn’t take people who have a profile within the game shouting loud enough for the average supporters’ valid grievances to be heard.
Are you a City fan, and if so, what do you make of the new season ticket stipulations? More precisely, do you agree with Esme Morgan?
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
The Manc -
12th September 2021 
