In a revelation that bridges the worlds of combat sports and football royalty, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has disclosed that UFC icon Conor McGregor made a genuine attempt to purchase Manchester United Football Club.
The billionaire businessman, who eventually secured a 27.7% stake in the Premier League giants, confirmed the approach during a recent interview, shedding light on one of the most unexpected potential ownership scenarios in modern sports.
The Notorious Bid for the Theatre of Dreams
Speaking candidly about the acquisition process, Ratcliffe revealed: "There was no question of that, but he did try. The mixed martial arts superstar, known for his flamboyant personality and business acumen, apparently saw the Red Devils as a worthwhile investment opportunity.
McGregor, who boasts a massive global following and multiple business ventures including Proper No. Twelve whiskey, had previously expressed interest in the club during the highly publicised sale process before the Glazer family ultimately accepted Ratcliffe's offer.
A Pattern of Football Interest
This isn't the first time McGregor has flirted with football ownership. The Irish fighter had previously shown interest in purchasing his hometown club Celtic, demonstrating a growing pattern of sports investment ambitions beyond the octagon.
Ratcliffe's INEOS group finally completed their partial takeover in February 2024 after a protracted bidding process that saw competition from Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
What Could Have Been
The prospect of McGregor owning one of football's most storied franchises would have represented one of the most dramatic cross-sport ownership moves in history. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and bold statements, the UFC champion's leadership style would have certainly brought a different flavour to the Old Trafford boardroom.
While the deal never materialised, the revelation adds another fascinating layer to Manchester United's recent ownership saga and demonstrates the global appeal of Premier League clubs to high-profile investors from all walks of life.
