Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel has backed golf superstar Tiger Woods to be a roaring success if he were to invest in a football club like Manchester United, though he would prefer to see the 15-time major champion end up at Liverpool instead.
Friedel's comments follow those of ex-Blackburn Rovers forward Matt Jansen, who suggested that Woods or NBA legend Michael Jordan could follow the lead of Tom Brady at Birmingham City or Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham by taking a stake in a top English club. Jansen said the 'aura' of such sporting icons could bring success even without deep football knowledge.
Speaking to mr-gamble.com, Friedel said: 'I saw Matt Jansen say he'd like Tiger Woods to take over Man United. 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!'
Jansen, who was once a target for Manchester United, noted the discontent surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority ownership at Old Trafford and suggested that a figure like Woods could revive the club's fortunes. He also floated the idea of Woods investing in Blackburn Rovers, who are 'in a bit of a mess' under current owners Venky's.
The trend of celebrity ownership in British football has accelerated in recent years, with Wrexham's rise under Hollywood actors and Birmingham City's revival after Tom Brady's investment serving as high-profile examples. Jansen believes that generational stars like Woods and Jordan would naturally gravitate towards elite clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United.
