Will Elon Musk look to make a move for Manchester United ahead of Friday's bidding deadline?

Elon Musk has emerged as a surprise candidate to purchase Manchester United - with the deadline for bids drawing closer.

Bids will have to be submitted by this Friday, with Musk considering making a move.

The tech-billionaire is believed to be monitoring United's situation closely - but it would take a multi-billion pound bid to take over the Premier League club.

There have been suggestions that the club could be sold for £6billion - which wouldn't be an issue for Musk.

Musk completed his takeover of Twitter back in October 2022 for a reported £37.9bn.

Musk, who is the second-richest person in the world has been on Forbes' rich list for each of the last 10 years.

With Musk in contention to purchase United, Sportsmail breaks down the details of the billionaire's potential bid.

How much is Elon Musk worth and could he buy Manchester United?

In 2022, Musk was the richest man in the world with a fortune of $219bn (£179.9bn) according to Forbes.

Musk's fortune has since fallen though and is now placed as the second-richest man on the planet.

Currently, Musk's net worth according to Forbes is $187.2bn (£153.8bn).

The Twitter and Tesla owner is one of the rare few who could afford the Red Devils - and it is not the first time he has teased about the possibility of purchasing the club.

Back in August, United fans planned a protest against the Glazer family ahead of a home clash with Liverpool.

With United struggling before the Liverpool game after back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford, Musk tweeted: ‘Also, I'm buying Manchester United ur [sic] welcome’.

Despite many United fans excited by the tweet, Musk later stated that it was a joke and posted: ‘Although, if it were any team, it would be Man U. They were my fav team as a kid.’

Now, reports suggest that he is potentially looking at making a bid for the club - with Musk believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

What's the latest on the takeover of Manchester United?

Back in November, United’s American owners, the Glazer family, announced that they will be selling the club.

The family, who remain deeply unpopular among many United supporters, are open to all options - with a huge, additional bill to either redevelop Old Trafford or build a brand new stadium.

It is understood that the sale of the club will be overseen by US merchant bankers Raine Group.

However, any potential bidders will have to be quick with the group looking for interested parties to submit their bids by February 17 - with the offers then being considered.

How much will Manchester United go for?

According to a recent study by Sportico, United are the Premier League's most-valued club at £4.8billion [$5.95b].

The Glazers are hoping for £6bn but they have not gone public with the price.

With the Glazers refusing to drop the asking price, the family are hoping for a world-record deal for the club.

Who else is interested in buying Manchester United?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group have confirmed their intention to place a bid for United.

Ratcliffe, who is a boyhood fan of the club, is deemed as one of the favourites to purchase United.

The sale of the club has attracted considerable interest from potential buyers in the US, Asia and the Middle East.