Rory McIlroy would love to invest in Manchester United — but admitted he has not had the opportunity to do so.
The 34-year-old golfer is part of a group of sports stars, which included Anthony Joshua, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata, who have been involved in an investment in Formula One team Alpine.
United are on the cusp of selling a 25 per cent stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
McIlroy, a United fan, has suggested he would be keen to make a small minority investment in United if the opportunity presented itself.
McIlroy told Sky Sports: “Sports team ownership used to be limited to private equity, and people who had a ton of money. But now sports stars are becoming more savvy and using their money in the right way.
“I would love to be able to own a tiny percentage of the club I grew up cheering on as a boy.
“I would have loved to have taken 0.00001 per cent of Manchester United when Jim Ratcliffe took 25 per cent. And if another opportunity comes my way I will look at it. But it is not something that has come across our table as of yet.”
While the Northern Irishman has not been approached about United, he did reveal that there were discussions about him investing in one of their major rivals.
“There is Tom Brady at Birmingham and there are a few golfers — Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas — who invested with the 49ers Group, and they own a tiny slice of Leeds. They asked me if I wanted to come on board, and I said as a Man United fan I cannot go anywhere near that!
“Sir Jim has got a great track record and everybody that does support United should be excited by the possibilities if they give him full sporting authority and decisions for the club. As a fan I am excited.”
United overcame Sheffield United on Saturday night. They are eighth in the Premier League.
(Photo: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
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