It was news no one expected, and for a while, it sent social media and the football world into a frenzy.
Was the world's richest man going to buy Manchester United?
Just after 01:00 BST on Wednesday, Elon Musk - who is reported to have a net worth of $270bn (£223bn) according to Forbes - posted on Twitter: "Also, I'm buying Manchester United ur welcome."
Cue pandemonium on the social network, with the American's tweet receiving more than 400,000 likes.
It has been a painful start to the new season for United.
They are bottom of the Premier League after two defeats, star player Cristiano Ronaldo could leave, while new signings are failing to materialize.
Their fans are restless, and earlier this week the Manchester United Supporters Trust said it will "demand answers" from those running the club after a "humiliatingly bad" start to the season.
The club has been in decline since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013, and fingers have been pointed at the Glazer family, who have owned the club since 2005.
There have been multiple protests against the Glazers' ownership in recent years - including one in May 2021 which caused the Red Devils' match against Liverpool to be postponed.
United fans are planning another protest against the American family during their latest meeting with their bitter rivals on Monday.
Some fans welcomed Musk's interest in their club, which was valued at $4.6bn (£3.8bn) by Forbes earlier this year.
Also, I’m buying Manchester United ur welcome
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 17, 2022
