Remember when Rupert Murdoch almost owned Manchester United? 📸 Back in 1998, the billionaire media mogul and ex-husband to soon-to-be Celebrity Traitors star Jerry Hall made headlines with a whopping £623 million bid for the club! The buzz around the deal shook the football world as Murdoch’s hold seemed all but certain.
At the time, United were just starting their iconic treble-winning season under Sir Alex Ferguson. But the proposed takeover didn’t sit well with everyone, sparking strong reactions from the fans. Supporters were afraid the deal might give United an ‘unfair advantage,’ causing quite the stir in Manchester and beyond.
As pressure mounted, Prime Minister Tony Blair even got involved! Protests and fan anxieties eventually led the government to refer the deal to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. When the dust settled, the bid was blocked, much to the delight of United fans who had campaigned so fiercely against it.
Fast forward a few years, and the Glazer family would eventually take control of the club. But for a while, it was Murdoch’s drama that had Old Trafford buzzing. And as for Jerry Hall, she’ll be returning to our screens in the next instalment of Celebrity Traitors, mixing glitz, glamour, and a bit of deception in the Scottish Highlands. Can’t wait to see her in action! 📺✨
Fascinated by the football takeover saga? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! ⚽️🔥