Dr Dan Plumley

Tue 22 March 2022 7:00, UK

A Man United cricket team in the United Arab Emirates would be a major “money-spinner” for the Glazers.

That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the owners’ sporting ventures outside of the UK.

The Glazer family already owns NFL outfit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and have been linked with starting a multi-club network in football.

And Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed revealed in a tweet last Thursday (17 March) that he has discussed with Avram Glazer a possible new venture in cricket.

The chair of the Dubai Sport Council claims that a Man United cricket team could be on the cards ahead of the launch UAE T20 Cricket League in 2023.

Plumley explained how the United brand would help the Glazers earn big profits in the UAE.

“Using the branding in a different sport could tie it all together,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“You could link that to commercial deals and partnerships. There is room for growth there.

“They did try and sign an IPL franchise but weren’t successful. This is the next step of that.

“You can see the logic with the tie-in. We’re looking at extra revenue generation through a different vehicle.

“It wouldn’t be a direct revenue sharing agreement, but it would be a money-spinner all the same.

“The timing and location are key. The International Cricket Council has moved to Dubai, which is becoming a major centre for global cricket tournaments.

“There is a bigger-picture play there in terms of where the sport’s going, but the Glazers are looking at leveraging some of that with the United brand.“

The Glazers are reportedly keen to revamp Old Trafford after allegations of years of neglect among disgruntled fans.

It is also claimed that blueprints are being drawn up for the redevelopment of the Red Devils’ Carrington training complex.

In other news, top Man United manager targets told summer transfer plans after talks held.