ISTANBUL (Turkiye), Aug 17 — Billionaire Elon Musk said he has no plans to buy football club Manchester United, hours after sparking internet frenzy with a tweet, Anadolu Agency reported.
“No, this is a long-running joke on Twitter. I’m not buying any sports teams,” Musk replied early on Wednesday when asked by a Twitter user whether he was serious about taking over the English football team.
In his original tweet, Musk, the world’s richest person, wrote: “I’m buying Manchester United ur (sic) welcome.”
Musk’s remarks were largely greeted with scepticism, given his history of confusing and unusual statements on the social media platform.
However, he clearly gave a glimmer of hope to United fans frustrated by the club’s performances and dwindling fortunes.
The Glazers, an American business family that currently owns United, have been the focus of supporters’ ire, facing growing calls to leave the club.
“Elon this is a legally binding intent to purchase,” an official United fan group tweeted, an apparent reference to Musk’s recent bid to buy Twitter.
The Tesla founder pulled out of the US$44 billion deal last month, leading to legal action by Twitter, with hearings set to begin in October.
