Gary Neville's media venture The Overlap has made a significant acquisition in the digital football space, purchasing influencer Mark Goldbridge's two popular YouTube channels for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.
Goldbridge, whose real name is Brent di Cesare, has built substantial followings with his Manchester United-focused channel The United Stand (2.26 million subscribers) and broader football platform That's Football (1.46 million subscribers). The deal represents a major consolidation in football media as traditional sports personalities expand their digital footprint.
"We are building what we believe will become one of the most exciting independent football communities in the world," said Neville, executive director of The Overlap. "The United Stand and That's Football are two of the best-known football channels on YouTube, and our intention is to develop them into the most compelling Manchester United and football news channels in the market."
The Overlap, founded by the former Manchester United defender in 2021, already operates a successful YouTube channel with 1.66 million subscribers featuring its flagship show Stick to Football with pundits including Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, and Ian Wright.
Goldbridge expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: "I've spent the last 10 years building The United Stand for Manchester United fans and That's Football for all fans. This deal is about what comes next. The Overlap has the ambition, the credibility, and the resources to help me take what I do to the next level."
Under the new ownership, Goldbridge's channels will undergo "significant editorial expansion," including a new Stick to United strand featuring former players and journalists, plus a daily news program called Daily United.
The acquisition comes as Goldbridge continues to expand his influence in football media. Last year, he became one of the first content creators to secure live rights for top-flight European football, being named among rights holders for Bundesliga matches for the 2025-26 season.
Scott Melvin, executive director of The Overlap, noted: "Mark has built two of the biggest audiences in this space, and this deal accelerates everything we are building toward."
The move follows The Overlap's own growth trajectory, with media and entertainment company Global acquiring a majority stake in the venture earlier this year. Goldbridge's channels are known for their viral moments, often featuring his passionate reactions and controversial opinions that resonate with football fans worldwide.