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Former Manchester United team-mates Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs set to become first Premier League stars to own a synagogue

The two have built a number of hotels and restaurant but this latest venture sees them plan to redevelop the Manchester Reform Synagogue

Jack de Menezes
Friday 08 November 2013 12:43 GMT
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Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are set to become the first Premier League footballers to own a synagogue
Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are set to become the first Premier League footballers to own a synagogue

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville and current star Ryan Giggs are set to become the first Premier League footballers to open a synagogue as they look to continue their property development venture.

The United greats have gone into business together opening hotels and restaurants around the world, with their latest construction being a football-themed hotel near Old Trafford.

And now the Jewish Chronicle Online is reporting that the pair have set their eyes on the Manchester Reform Synagogue – a 1950’s-built building which remains the only city-centre shul in Manchester.

The move comes amid reports they are attempting to buy a disused police station just off Manchester’s main shopping street Deansgate, with the adjacent synagogue a required purchase if they are to redevelop the site.

As part of the plans, they will build new offices, apartments and shops on the site, and will also incorporate a new shul and a community centre complex according to the Jewish Chronicle Online.

Neville has made the transformation from Premier League footballer to TV pundit seamlessly, drawing wide-praise for his analyst work when covering matches for Sky. But it appears his move into development is going just as well, having recently opened a restaurant in east London as well as many other ventures into property with his former team-mate.

Giggs may be keeping his attentions elsewhere though, with United set to host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday in a make-or-break match for the current title holders. Lose, and they’ll find themselves 11 points off the top of the table, although victory would launch them back into contention after a slow start under new manager David Moyes.

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