Manchester United are going through a topsy-turvy season which has somewhat stabilized after the start of 2024, with the Red Devils being unbeaten in the year so far. Amid the on-field drama, it seems like the club’s owners are planning an ambitious new project for the fans involving Augmented Reality.
Manchester United Plan Augmented Reality Technology For Fans
Watch: Football Fans Are Being Lied To
How United Intend To Use Augmented Reality On Players
ESPN’s Mark Ogden claims that there are plans within the Red Devils hierarchy to tap into the market of Augmented Reality, which has now emerged as a potential game-changer in giving a more interactive experience to the fans.
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A source close to the business model of the Glazer Family, majority owners of United, told ESPN: “The big idea, or maybe the big hope, that the Glazers have — and this was driven by Ed Woodward — is the emergence of Augmented Reality.”
“The technology is already out there whereby a player could have an AR wearable on his body and a supporter anywhere in the world could pay a small fee to experience a game through the eyes of his favorite player. Just imagine how much United could generate from their huge global fanbase if supporters were able to pay to be Marcus Rashford or Bruno Fernandes for 90 minutes?”
Has Augmented Reality Been Used In the Premier League?
The emergence of Augmented Reality and its accessibility to the fans is now encouraging technological changes to football teams too. Aston Villa made midfielder Youri Tielemans wear a bodycam in a pre-season friendly match last year where the fans could experience a first-person point of view of how professional footballers operate during a match and what the experience looks like.
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ESPN’s report also indicates that the former United CEO Ed Woodward sees the augmented reality scene as a “huge opportunity” for the club to tap into and use it as a money-making scheme. With that being said, it could be annoying for players to wear a camera during competitive matches and draw major backlash, despite how lucrative it can be from a fan’s point of view.
