During a memorable week in which Manchester United’s seemingly unflappable owners were forced into writing a clumsy public apology – supporters began to feel that maybe the Glazers’ throne at Old Trafford may in fact be a little more wobbly than anticipated.
Indeed, a new candidate has already put himself in the frame to take over: MMA legend Conor McGregor.
After the vilified European Super League crumbled to dust on Tuesday evening, the Glazers – who have remained utterly unperturbed on their OT perch despite years of passionate criticism – actually looked a little vulnerable, with their wildly unpopular Exec Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward even announcing he would depart his post.
The shake-up has sparked excitable conversations among fans about the prospect of potential new buyers at Sir Matt Busby Way. Perhaps this would end the tenure of owners so loathed that their very presence in Manchester has led to countless protests and the formation of a new club in FC United of Manchester.
But before any real candidates could be seriously debated for a United takeover, MMA’s ultimate showman McGregor attempted to rattled a few cages by suggesting he would be keen to take the reins.
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Posting on Twitter, the former UFC champion wrote: “Hey guys, I’m thinking of buying Manchester United! What do you think?”
Hey guys, I’m thinking about buying Manchester United! What do you think?
🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United fans are protesting against the Glazers and have blocked both entrances to Carrington, United's training ground #mufc#mujournal
According to some reports, McGregor is currently valued at a net worth of around a half billion dollars – but that wouldn’t be enough to prise United from the Glazers’ grip.
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Forbes value Manchester United at £3.05bn – the fourth most valuable club in the world – meaning McGregor would need to cobble together a bit more loose change to turn himself into a proper contender, or launch a joint bid as part of a consortium.
Money aside, McGregor’s track record for embellishment means that most fans have refused to even entertain the notion of Notorious ownership at OT. But this isn’t the first time United have been subject to bizarre interest.
Shortly before the Glazers took full control at OT in 2005, Middle Eastern dictator Colonel Muammar “Mad Dog” Gaddafi was apparently just hours away from purchasing United – only for the deal to fall through after failing to agree on a price for the controlling stake.
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As of yet, McGregor’s bid hasn’t gone any further than a sweeping declaration on social media. And with no updates for a couple of days, many have already poured cold water on the idea.
But who knows.
In a wonderful world where Deadpool and Mac from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia can purchase a fifth-tier team in North Wales, there’s always chance that anything can happen…
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
Sport
Tommy Fury announces huge fight against former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall
Daisy Jackson
Tommy Fury has announced his next major boxing match – against a rather unlikely opponent.
The Manc boxer and former Love Island star will face Eddie Hall, who once reigned as the World’s Strongest Man and was the first person on the planet to deadlift 500kg.
The match, billed as Beauty vs The Beast (we’ll let you decide who’s who…), will take place at the AO Arena this summer.
Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall will be facing off in Manchester as part of the Misfits Boxing series, a sports promotion company founded by YouTube sensation KSI.
26-year-old Fury – younger brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury – remains unbeaten, seeing off all-comers in the crossover boxing world.
As for 38-year-old Eddie Hall (nicknamed The Beast), he retired as a strongman competitor, where he’s previously been crowned the World’s Strongest Man, and has now pivoted into combat sports.
The pair have collaborated recently on several videos online, taking on challenges like a One Punch Knockout and a breakfast eating competition.
But this will be the first time they’ve publicly faced off in the ring.
Misfirst Boxing has once more delivered the biggest match-ups possible in the crossover boxing space, with Fury vs. Hall promising to be a titanic tussle that will captivate fans around the world.
Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall, Beauty vs The Beast, will take place on Saturday 13 June at the AO Arena in Manchester – you can get tickets HERE.
Corey Blackett-Taylor ruled out injured for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
Bolton Wanderers winger Corey Blackett-Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season following injury.
With not that long left in this year’s campaign and the playoff scrap set to ramp up even further in the coming weeks, it’s an unfortunate twist of fate for the Trotters.
Despite still being only a relatively recent signing, having just joined Bolton in the most recent January transfer window, it didn’t take long for him to make a good impression.
Scoring on debut in a 1-0 away win against AFC Wimbledon, the 28-year-old is now set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 term, letting supporters know the news on Friday, 27 March.
Blackett-Taylor was forced off in the game against Rotherham United after pulling up in the wake of taking a shot, ultimately being subbed in the first half.
It was quickly confirmed to be a thigh injury, and while the specific nature and severity of the damage haven’t been fully detailed, he has now informed fans that his season is over.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Instantly from arriving at the club, I felt the passion and support from the fans, club, staff and players.
“I have no doubts [about] the club achieving their targets of promotion – I want to say a huge thank you for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Unfortunately, my season is concluded due to my injury, but I’ll be here supporting the team to the very end.”
He isn’t the only impactful League One player at a side eyeing up the Championship to have been hampered by setbacks on the physio bench, with rivals Stockport County also confirming an absence at this crucial point in the campaign.
Not ideal for either of the Greater Manchester hopefuls.
Once again, while the recovery period for both of these players has already begun, the exact timelines for their return remain to be seen.
That being said, chances are we’ll see the Derby County loanee back in action before Hills, though we’ll have to wait to find out whether it will be at the Toughsheet Stadium or back with his parent club.
Who do you think is going to clinch that third promotion place at Wembley come this May?
The Manc -
22nd April 2021 
