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.
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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.
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
Piers Morgan calls Erik ten Hag an ‘arrogant deluded twerp’ after ‘disgraceful’ treatment of Ronaldo
Danny Jones
Piers Morgan wasted no time in blasting Erik ten Hag following the Manchester derby, dubbing the manager’s treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘disgraceful’.
The 37-year-old striker was left out of Manchester United‘s starting line-up that went on to be hammered 6-3 by Manchester City and wasn’t even brought on despite the Dutch coach making all five substitutions.
Ronaldo fan first and Arsenal fan second, Morgan criticised the United manager’s squad selection and further decision to leave him on the bench in one of the biggest games in the season.
Imagine benching @Cristiano for Utd’s biggest game of the season, then using 5 other subs as they’re hammered into oblivion, & then claiming you did it ‘out of respect’ for him? Ten Hag is an arrogant deluded twerp & the way he’s treating Ronaldo is disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/iuGFEJ7v2j
As you can see, not only did he take issue with ten Hag’s claims that he chose to keep Ronaldo out of the six-goal thrashing “out of respect for his big career“, but even he went so far as to label him an “arrogant deluded twerp”. Not like Piers to get Personal…
While the scoreline may have made it look like the red half of the city had some foothold in the game, anyone who watched will no that was far from the case, as those wearing blue went in at half-time already 4-0 up.
Even most United fans couldn’t even make it to half-time.
The 57-year-old broadcaster and journalist went on to say that “the way [ten Hag’s] treating Ronaldo is disgraceful”, with many also questioning why newly signed and experienced Casemiro was left out of the starting 11.
On the other hand, some fans branded the footballing veteran’s behaviour as ‘childish’ and questioned his conduct over the course of the last few months:
Is he talking about the same Ronaldo who asked to leave the club but is only still there because no one wants him? https://t.co/N7TAiRLuDr
The Portuguese star has played just 207 minutes in this year’s Premier League campaign and has just one goal so far: a penalty which came in a Europa League game against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.
The derby day mauling saw United’s run of four wins brought to an end and the team pick up their third loss of the season. They now sit in sixth place though still with a game in hand on those in the top three.
11 arrests after mass brawl breaks out before Oldham vs Wrexham game
Danny Jones
At least 11 people are said to have been arrested after a mass brawl broke out before Saturday’s match between Oldham Athletic and Wrexham AFC.
The fight broke out in a residential area in Failsworth just hours before the game between the two National League sides, as locals can be seen watching on as the chaos unfolds.
As you can see in the clip above, dozens of fans from both teams can be seen scrapping and launching projectiles, with a police tactical aid unit driving right through the middle of the crowds.
Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson, Silver Commander for the operation, said that more than 60 fans were hit with a dispersal order and made to leave the area.
Hutchinson went on to warn that “Disorder and violence at football matches is unacceptable and we have launched a post-match investigation to identify more offenders who will be arrested and placed before the courts, where we will seek football banning orders.
“We appreciate the passion and support that fans want to show for their team, however violent disorder and anti-social behaviour will never be tolerated in our communities.”
Although Oldham are yet to issue a statement following the violence, Wrexham were quick to condemn the behaviour as reports came in before kick-off, labelling the “hooliganism” and fan disorder as “unacceptable”.
It was only last month that Latics player Hallam Hope was ‘seriously injured’ following an assault in the car park after a home game against Chesterfield.
Wrexham, still riding the wave of positivity after being bought by celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, went on to beat the north Manchester side 2-1 with a last-gasp winner in the 95th minute.
The Manc -
22nd April 2021 
