Manchester United continues to attract investment from high-profile figures, with American billionaire Leon Cooperman further increasing his stake in the Premier League club. The 82-year-classic now holds approximately 5.2% of Manchester United’s Class A shares, a holding valued at over $50 million, signaling continued confidence in the club’s potential despite recent changes in ownership and ongoing performance scrutiny.
Cooperman, the founder of New York-based investment firm Omega Advisors, initially invested in Manchester United in the autumn of 2023, coinciding with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s pursuit of a stake in the club. His increased investment, now totaling more than 2.9 million shares, demonstrates a sustained interest in the team’s future. This move comes as the club navigates a period of transition under Ratcliffe’s partial ownership and aims to regain its position as a dominant force in English and European football.
Investment Details and Ownership Structure
The recent acquisition of approximately 900,000 shares by Cooperman wasn’t directly from the Glazer family or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but rather from British investment firm Lindsell Train, which has reduced its own stake in the club. This transaction highlights the ongoing fluidity of ownership within Manchester United. Ratcliffe initially acquired a 25% stake in the club for £1.3 billion (approximately $33 per share), a figure that has since risen to 27.7% following a further £300 million investment dedicated to infrastructure improvements, including a £50 million revamp of the Carrington training complex, as reported by the Independent.
It’s important to note the distinction between the different classes of shares within Manchester United. Class B shares, which carry 10 votes per share, are predominantly held by the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, granting them greater control over the club’s direction. Cooperman’s holdings consist of Class A shares, which carry only one vote per share. His investment is therefore considered a passive one, with no indication of a planned takeover bid, according to filings and reports from Manchester Evening News.
Cooperman’s Net Worth and Investment Strategy
As of early 2026, Leon Cooperman’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3.6 billion, largely derived from his successful career on Wall Street and his investments through Omega Advisors. His initial investment in Manchester United in 2023 was valued at roughly $16.8 million (£13.5 million) for just under one million shares. The shares are owned directly by Omega Capital Partners, L.P., a Cooperman family investment limited partnership, with Cooperman retaining sole voting and dispositive authority over the holdings.
Cooperman has registered his ownership through a Schedule 13G, a disclosure form specifically for passive investors, confirming that the shares were not acquired with the intention of influencing or controlling the club. This aligns with his stated investment approach, focusing on long-term potential rather than immediate intervention in the club’s management. Further details on his investment strategy can be found in reports from Express.
The continued investment from figures like Cooperman underscores the enduring appeal of Manchester United as a global sporting brand. Even as the club faces challenges on and off the pitch, the financial backing from a diverse range of investors provides a degree of stability as it navigates a complex period of change.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on Manchester United’s performance under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership and the impact of the infrastructure investments. Cooperman’s continued presence as a shareholder suggests a belief in the club’s long-term prospects, but his passive investment stance indicates he will likely remain on the sidelines as the club charts its course. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these investments translate into tangible success both on the field and in the financial performance of the club.
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