Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has suggested Tiger Woods would thrive at Man United if he decided to invest in a Premier League club, although he’d rather him get involved with the Reds
13:29, 12 Sep 2025Updated 07:15, 15 Sep 2025
Former Liverpool keeper Brad Friedel has tipped Tiger Woods to become a success if he invests in Man United(Image: Harry How, Getty Images)
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has backed Tiger Woods to be a roaring success if he were to invest in a club like Manchester United. However, he’d much rather see the golfing icon end up at Anfield instead.
Numerous high-profile athletes and celebrities have become involved in the ownership of British clubs in recent years. NFL legends Tom Brady and JJ Watt have thrived since purchasing stakes in Birmingham City and Burnley, respectively, and both saw their clubs earn promotions last season.
Elsewhere, Wrexham have climbed through the divisions and attracted major investment under the stewardship of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. And the actor pair are arguably the best example as to how the model of hands-on ownership can lead to success on the field.
This shift in the ownership landscape prompted remarks from former Premier League striker Matt Jansen, who suggested a figure like Woods would flourish if he made a similar investment. And ex-Red Friedel, who spent three years at Liverpool between 1997 and 2000, agreed it would be a major coup for any top club to attract such a name.
“I saw Matt Jansen say he’d like Tiger Woods to take over Man United,” he told the Echo (via The Mirror) on behalf of Casino.org, who help players find the best online casino. “I would prefer he does not go to Old Trafford. But it would be brilliant for the Premier League if he did. Go to Liverpool instead, Tiger!”
Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority acquisition of United, performances on the field are yet to be improved under the British billionaire’s leadership. In reality, the Red Devils have recorded their two poorest Premier League campaigns since he began overseeing the club’s operations in early 2024.
NFL icon Tom Brady is among the latest US celebrities to thrive in English football ownership(Image: Getty Images)
It was in August of this year three-time Blackburn Player of the Season Jansen, who was previously courted by United, spoke enthusiastically about the fresh investment approach in British football. And he highlighted figures such as Woods and NBA legend Michael Jordan as prime examples of iconic athletes who could make a significant impact at the highest level.
“I think Tom Brady is a good one,” he told BettingLounge.co.uk. “Maybe Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, people who’ve been at the top of their sport, the No. 1 in their sport, will always be impressive and can relate a little bit more to football than the music industry.
“It could be any club, couldn’t it? But the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods would probably be looking at Liverpool, Chelsea or Man United, those kinds of clubs. They’re that big a star. So is Tom Brady, but Birmingham are really putting their money where their mouth is. I think they’ll be a force this season.
Ryan Reynolds (L) and Rob McElhenney are arguably the biggest examples of how the model can bear fruit(Image: PA)
“They could target clubs in the EFL. Look at what Wrexham started and they’ve been a success. It’ll be other people putting it to the likes of Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, rather than them approaching clubs.”
Jansen further highlighted some United fans’ current dissatisfaction with Ratcliffe, who has highlighted Liverpool as a model for other clubs to follow. Despite Woods not being an expert in football, he believes the 15-time major champion’s “aura could bring success.”
Woods’ potential move to Old Trafford could be a perfect match, although Jansen also hinted at the possibility of him taking over Lancashire rivals Blackburn. As Jansen pointed out, Rovers are “in a bit of a mess” under the current owners Venky’s and could benefit from the financial influence of a sports tycoon.
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