Speculation is rife that English soccer powerhouse Manchester United could be heading back to Perth.
It’s hoped the 13-time English Premier League winners will play an exhibition match against Aston Villa at OPTUS Stadium next year.
But the McGowan government says it’s not ready to make any announcement and that the rumour was being driven from Melbourne where a separate announcement is expected tomorrow.
“The government, through Tourism WA, is pursuing a vigorous major events strategy over the next 12 months and beyond,” a spokesman said. “This is one of the important components of the $195 million Reconnect WA strategy to drive jobs, tourism and investment in WA.
Due to the competitive nature of the events industry, the government does not comment on potential event discussions or contract negotiations.”
The Red Devils were last in Perth in 2019, for a week-long football festival as they took on Perth Glory and English arch rivals Leeds United.
About $35 million was pumped into the WA economy during the visit and if superstar Cristiano Ronaldo remains with the team, interest in seeing them play will be high.
Manchester United has been struggling to regain its dominance since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
But the club still enjoys a global fanbase of about one billion supporters and has previously generated $174 million annually in merchandise sales.
