American billionaire investor Leon Cooperman has significantly strengthened his position in Manchester United, increasing his holding to 5.2% of the club’s publicly traded Class A shares.
As of February 19, 2026, SEC filings reveal that the 82-year-old founder of Omega Advisors now controls more than 2.9 million shares. At current market values, the position is estimated to be worth over $50 million (£36.9 million).
Transaction Details: Passive Investment
Cooperman, a legendary Wall Street figure with a net worth of approximately $3.6 billion, has been gradually building his stake since his initial entry in late 2023.
- Source of Shares: The additional shares were acquired from the British investment firm Lindsell Train, which has been reducing its position in the club.
- No Takeover Intent: The investment was declared under Form 13G, a filing specifically for passive investors. This indicates Cooperman is not seeking a seat on the board or a change in club control.
- Existing Ownership Intact: Neither the Glazer family nor Sir Jim Ratcliffe sold any of their holdings during this transaction.
Manchester United’s Ownership Architecture
Despite Cooperman’s increased stake, the ultimate power at Old Trafford remains concentrated through a dual-class share system.
| Share Class | Type | Voting Power | Primary Holders |
| Class A | Publicly Traded (NYSE: MANU) | 1 Vote per share | Cooperman, Ariel Investments, Retail Investors |
| Class B | Private / Institutional | 10 Votes per share | Glazer Family & Sir Jim Ratcliffe |
Infrastructure and Financial Context
The move comes as the club continues its modernization push under the Ratcliffe era. Following his initial £1.3 billion investment for 25% of the club, Ratcliffe injected an additional £300 million specifically for infrastructure.
- Carrington Redevelopment: A £50 million refurbishment of the training complex is currently underway.
- Old Trafford Future: Ambitious proposals for a “spectacular” new stadium or a total rebuild of the historic site remain the central focus of the club’s long-term commercial strategy.
- Stock Performance: Manchester United’s share price was trading at approximately $17.69 on February 19, significantly below the $33 per share price paid by Ratcliffe in early 2024.