- Man Utd NFT trading cards go live for the coming season.
- Cryptocurrency and sports make for a divisive pairing.
- Man Utd fans have high expectations following INEOS buyout deal.
The intersection of cryptocurrency and sports is contentious, generating both excitement and skepticism. Supporters argue that blockchain technology provides unique fan engagement and immersive experiences, deepening connections with their favorite teams. Critics, however, worry that these initiatives might exploit loyal fans for financial gain.
Despite the ongoing debate, Man Utd unveiled its latest crypto venture, a trading card-based fantasy football game on the Tezos blockchain. Ronan Joyce, Man Utd’s director of digital innovation, stated that the trading cards ‘add even more drama and excitement to watching the Reds at Old Trafford and on the road this season.’
Getting Your Man Utd Trading Cards
Man Utd Player Trading Cards showcase hand-drawn images of the first team squad and cost £3 ($3.84) per pack, each containing 7 cards.
Interested fans can collect the Player Trading Cards by following these steps:
- Visit the Man Utd collectibles website here.
- Click the ‘Buy a Pack’ button, which will link to the buy page giving the option to select the number of packs required.
- Fans can pay using fiat or the TEZ token. To use the TEZ option, ensure your Tezos wallet, such as Kukai, is accessible in your browser.
- After choosing your payment option, you’ll need to register with a Google, Facebook, or X account. This lets you view your squad, track their progress, and make changes in the game.
- Sit back and accumulate points as the season progresses.
Playing Fantasy United
The Man Utd Player Trading Cards and Fantasy United game is a Premier League first, blending digital collectibles with fantasy football. Fans can engage uniquely through digital player cards in Classic, Rare, and Ultra-Rare editions, featuring the club’s first-team squad.
The game mechanics involve fans buying card packs to build a five-man squad and compete in mini-leagues against friends. For added excitement, they can also face off against squads chosen by former Manchester United players.
Points are earned throughout all competitions, kicking off with the Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16.
Following traditional fantasy football rules, the game awards points based on players’ real-life performances. Actions such as goals, assists, tackles, and saves contribute to a player’s score, creating a dynamic link between on-field action and in-game success.
The launch has sparked considerable interest from the club’s devoted fans. A Man Utd representative told DailyCoin that the pre-sale for ‘Devils Holders’ (owners of the club’s original NFT collection) began on July 29 and resulted in 4,521 pack sales.
Access to the Player Trading Cards opened for the general public on July 31.
The INEOS Era
The end of 2023 saw Manchester United at the center of intense takeover speculation, with fans eagerly anticipating a change in ownership from the Glazer family. Despite multiple bids, including a high-profile offer from Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim, it was the INEOS delegation, led by lifelong United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, that emerged victorious.
However, the outcome fell short of some supporters’ expectations, as the Glazers opted for a co-ownership deal rather than a complete sale. In February 2024, INEOS acquired a 28% stake in the club for £1.25 billion ($1.6 billion).
Man Utd ended the 2023/2024 season with an eighth-place finish, marking their worst in the league’s history.
Since taking partial control, INEOS has wasted no time in implementing sweeping changes across the club. Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including a major refurbishment of the Carrington training ground.
The new co-owners have also overseen a shake-up in both operations and coaching personnel, with United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy joining as assistant manager.
With the sweeping changes already in place, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation among United fans, who hope these reforms will lead to a return to the club’s trophy-winning ways.
On the Flipside
- Tezos is slipping down the market cap rankings, opening 2024 in 51st place to fall to 88th at present.
- The U.K.‘s Culture, Media and Sport Committee criticized football fan tokens as risky crypto investments.
- Weekly NFT sales are down 96% from the 2021 high.
Why This Matters
The Fantasy United game is a strategic move by Man United to modernize its brand and reconnect with its global fanbase, potentially influencing how other clubs approach fan engagement in an increasingly digital world.
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