Tiger Woods linked with Man Utd takeover and told his investment would be 'brilliant'

Former Premier League star Brad Friedel reckons Tiger Woods would be wise to invest in a club like Manchester United. However, the retired goalkeeper would much rather see the golfing superstar rock up at another English heavyweight instead.

The modern era has witnessed a host of high-profile sports stars and celebrities diving into ownership of British football clubs. NFL legends Tom Brady and JJ Watt have thrived since snapping up stakes in Birmingham City and Burnley, respectively, while Wrexham have rocketed through the divisions under Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. This shift in the ownership landscape prompted remarks from ex-Premier League striker Matt Jansen, who backed a figure like Woods to flourish if he made a comparable investment. And former Liverpool shot-stopper Friedel, who remains a devoted supporter of the Reds, agreed it would be a massive coup for any elite club to lure such a superstar.

"I saw Matt Jansen say he'd like Tiger Woods to take over Man United," the American told Mr-gamble.com. "I would prefer he does not go to Old Trafford. But it would be brilliant for the Premier League if he did. Go to Liverpool instead, Tiger!"

Despite the initial buzz around Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority acquisition of United, performances on the field have yet to improve under the British tycoon's stewardship. The Red Devils have recorded their two poorest Premier League campaigns since he began overseeing the club's operations in early 2024.

It was in August this year that former Blackburn favourite Jansen, who was previously on United's radar, praised the emerging investment approach in British football. He highlighted figures such as Woods and basketball legend Michael Jordan as prime examples of sporting icons who could influence at the elite level.

"I think Tom Brady is a good one," he recently told BettingLounge.co.uk. "Maybe Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, people who've been at the top of their sport, the No. 1 in their sport, will always be impressive and can relate a little bit more to football than the music industry.

"It could be any club, couldn't it? But the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods would probably be looking at Liverpool, Chelsea or Man United, those kinds of clubs. They're that big a star. So is Tom Brady, but Birmingham are really putting their money where their mouth is. I think they'll be a force this season.

"They could target clubs in the EFL. Look at what Wrexham started and they've been a success. It'll be other people putting it to the likes of Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, rather than them approaching clubs."

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Jansen highlighted the current dissatisfaction with Ratcliffe's management of the Red Devils. Despite Woods not being a football expert, he believes the 15-time major champion's "aura could bring success."

Woods' potential move to Old Trafford could be an ideal pairing, although Jansen also hinted at the possibility of him taking over Lancashire rivals Blackburn. As Jansen pointed out, Rovers are "in a bit of a mess" under current owners Venky's and might welcome the financial clout of a sports tycoon.