Apple CEO Tim Cook would reportedly transform Manchester United's Old Trafford into a 'new state-of-the-art stadium' if he purchases the club - just weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo slated the facilities.
The Glazer family confirmed on Tuesday evening that they were exploring "strategic alternatives" going forward; indicating that they could finally be ready to sell the club. The Americans have been hugely unpopular with fans since their initial takeover back in 2005 and were the subject of fierce protests as recently as August.
The Daily Star exclusively revealed that Apple are one of the parties mulling over a potential move for Manchester United - and the American tech giants have some huge plans in mind for the Premier League giants.
According to the report, Cook and Apple could fund the building of a brand new stadium in a bid to boost United's bid to regain their spot amongst football's elite.
Old Trafford is still one of the most famous - and largest - stadiums in the world, but the ground has been badly neglected in recent years and in need of some care.
Manchester United's facilities came under fire during Ronaldo's recent interview with Piers Morgan, where the Portuguese superstar belittled the lack of progress that the club had made since his initial departure back in 2009.
Join the debate! Do you think the Glazers will really sell Man Utd in the New Year? Let us know here.
"Nothing changed [since I left]," Ronaldo told Talk TV. "The pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym, even some technology. Even the chefs who I appreciate, lovely people. I thought I would see new technology, infrastructure. I saw things I saw when I was 20, 21, 23."
While Ronaldo has come under fire for some of the explosive comments made in the interview, he is far from the only person connected to the club to question the state of the club's facilities.
Former Old Trafford favourite Gary Neville also stuck the boot in over the state of the Manchester United ground and insisted that building a new stadium would be the best course of action.
Speaking on his Instagram back in March, Neville said: "There's a story emerging from Old Trafford that they might be looking to rebuild the entire stadium.
"I've just been asked what I think of it, I actually think it would be the right move, I think by the time they've spent the money that needs to be spent on Old Trafford, the existing one, then I think you're probably better off building a brand new super stadium.
"I do think Manchester United should always be at the forefront of stadiums, best facilities, and they have fallen behind."
