Manchester United have had a vast array of success down the years under various different ownerships, and fans will be hoping that will continue in the future under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
However, life at Old Trafford could have been much different had one EFL club owner got his way, with Dave Whelan claiming he could have bought the Red Devils for just £11.5million earlier in his career before his wife stopped him from doing so.
Whelan, born in Bradford but raised in the Greater Manchester town of Wigan, had a decent career in English football after turning out 78 times for Blackburn Rovers and 115 times for Crewe Alexandra. However, a leg break at Wembley in the 1960 FA Cup final had implications to bring his career to an end.
But it's Whelan's ventures as a businessman and ultimately a club owner that he will be most remembered for - and they could have been at Old Trafford.
Dave Whelan Once Had the Chance to Buy Manchester United for Just £11.5million
dave whelan
Whelan, who was declared as 'Britain's richest ex-footballer' due to his wealth after spearheading JJB Sports and DW Sports, says he once had the chance to buy the Red Devils.
Being worth more than English footballing legend David Beckham at the peak of his powers with then-Premier League regulars and FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic, Whelan could have got into club ownership much earlier than his 1995 purchase of the Latics.
Reports have stated that Whelan had a 'relaxed agreement' in place with United officials over a potential buyout of the club in the 1980s, but a deal didn't go through and it's a decision he's come to regret.
Whelan previously said of his failed Old Trafford attempt: "I made the wrong decision in regards to Manchester United, because it is interesting to see what has happened since.
"The purchase of Manchester United was all sorted with Martin Edwards and was going to be sealed within 28 days.
"Later I went home and said to my wife Patricia that I’d pulled off a good deal to buy Manchester United - £11.5m was a lot of money then. She said ‘what?'
"I was in JJB and expanding so she said, 'do you think all the people in London, Liverpool, Birmingham will come and shop at your stores when you own Manchester United – the greatest enemy the teams they support have?'".
It's a fair point to make, and Whelan ended up dodging a deal.
Dave Whelan Missed a United Deal - But Life Worked Well for Both Parties
Sir Alex Ferguson with Premier League trophy
Sir Alex Ferguson with Premier League trophy
United, according to Forbes' estimates in May 2025, are now worth £5.2billion, and that deal could have seen Whelan amass an incredible amount of fortune.
However, Whelan also wouldn't have seen his beloved Wigan rise up the leagues, spending eight years at the top-flight and winning an FA Cup. With over £150million to his name, that feeling may well be worth the near miss on United's success.
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Some of the Premier League's most memorable teams have been United squads, starting with Eric Cantona and the Class of 92, transitioning into an era with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jaap Stam and more, before three consecutive Premier League titles boasting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic.
However, Wigan's South American signings such as Hugo Rodallega, Antonio Valencia and Maynor Figueroa among others brought major success to the Greater Manchester town and they equally have their own place in top-flight history.