American billionaire increases ownership stake in Manchester United

Manchester United’s ownership saw a major shake up two years ago when Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake of the club for £1.3 billion, taking over football operations.

The INEOS owner has been hands-on with the club since being a custodian of The Red Devils, changing a significant amount at the club.

The hierachy has undergone a complete change with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox joining as CEO and Director of Football.

The British entreprenure has also funded a £50 million remodel of the Carrington training ground, upgrading the club’s facilities.

Ratcliffe’s invovlement marked the end of The Glazers complete control since purchasing the club back in 2005.

However, The Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe aren’t the only billionaires with ownership shares of the club.

The Independent has reported that American investor Leon Cooperman has increased the volume of his shares in Manchester United.

In 2023, just before Ratcliffe purchased his stake, Cooperman acquired around 9,000 shares of the Old Trafford outfit.

His initial investment in the club was understood to have been worth around £12.5 million ($16.8 million).

Now, the 82-year-old is understood to have over 2.9 million shares, valuing at around £37 million ($50 million).

The veteran investor is founder of Omega Advisors, an investment firm based in New York.

However, there’s no initial understanding that this major increase in shares is the start of a takeover bid.

The 2 million shares bought by Leon Cooperman have not come from either The Glazers’ or Ratcliffe’s ownership, but instead from British investment firm Lindsell Train.