Manchester United’s takeover saga is still ongoing and their new owner could be anyone from Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani or maybe the world’s richest tennis player.
Jessica Pegula is not a household name in the sport of tennis but she clearly plays for the right reasons and not for the money.
Currently hoping to win just her third WTA title at the Indian Wells Masters in California this week, Pegula is richer than legends of the sport Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.
As reported by the Daily Star, her father made billions in oil and gas meaning she has a net worth of £5.5 billion which is enough to rival the current frontrunners in the race to buy United.
Current owners the Glazers announced back in November that they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for the Red Devils and didn’t rule out a full sale of the club.
The move came as it was clear United were in desperate need of investment on and off the field and the American family were no longer willing to provide it.
Back in February, they set an asking price of £6 billion – which would be out of tennis star Pegula’s reach – amid bids from Ratcliffe’s INEOS and Qatar.
It has since become clear that eight different groups are interested in United with some wanting to buy the club outright and others just a minority stake.
A deal could be reached soon
United have been under American ownership for the last 18 years and the relationship between the supporters and the Glazers has been hostile.
Many fans don’t want to see a repeat of this under new stewardship and would prefer owners that are willing to invest large amounts or someone who has a track record in football.
With further talks set to take place this week a deal could be reached soon with the Glazers wanting the saga to be over before the end of the season.
So although Pegula doesn’t seem interested in buying United, it’s likely the competition would be too strong for her anyway.
Sport Bible
