Leon Cooperman Expands Manchester United Holdings as Ratcliffe Takes Charge
In a significant financial move, American billionaire Leon Cooperman has substantially increased his ownership stake in Manchester United Football Club, according to recent regulatory filings. This development comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe solidifies his influence over the club, with Cooperman's actions interpreted as a vote of confidence in the new direction.
Net Worth and Investment Background
Leon Cooperman, a renowned Wall Street investor, boasts an estimated net worth of approximately $3.6 billion as of early 2026. His wealth primarily derives from his successful career and the personal capital managed through his firm, Omega Advisors. This financial prowess has enabled him to make strategic investments in high-profile assets like Manchester United.
Stake Acquisition Timeline
Cooperman first entered the Manchester United investor pool in late 2023 with an initial purchase of just under one million shares, valued at around $16.8 million (£13.5 million). Fast forward to February 2026, and SEC filings reveal a dramatic increase: he now holds 2,922,076 Class A Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 5.2% of the club's Class A shares. These shares are held via Omega Capital Partners, L.P., a Cooperman family investment limited partnership, over which he maintains sole voting and dispositive power.
Passive Investment Stance and Strategic Alignment
Notably, Cooperman has filed his ownership under a Schedule 13G, a disclosure reserved for passive investors. This certification explicitly states that the shares were not acquired to change or influence the club's control. His accumulation coincides with Sir Jim Ratcliffe finalising a 25% stake in Manchester United, leading market observers to view Cooperman's moves as an endorsement of the restructuring efforts led by Ratcliffe's INEOS group. The billionaire's continued investment suggests optimism about the club's future under this new leadership.
Overall, Leon Cooperman's increased stake highlights a growing trend of high-net-worth individuals backing Manchester United during a pivotal transition period, with implications for the club's financial stability and strategic direction.
