The sporting superstars have discussed purchasing Manchester United over the years
Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo
Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-UFC icon Conor McGregor have both previously hinted they would be open to buying the club. Ronaldo, who had two stints at United, has recently dipped his toe into club ownership, acquiring a 25 per cent share in Spanish second-tier club Almeria.
Ronaldo has gone on record to suggest that United, who have navigated various troubles on and off the pitch in recent years, would be in good hands should he acquire them. The Portuguese star's net worth is currently estimated at a whopping £900 million.
McGregor, who has also addressed buying United, has a slightly smaller bank balance of around £150m. United are thought to be worth a staggering £4billion, however.
It means that if either athlete were serious about buying United, they would more than likely need wealthy backers to come in on any deal. That hasn't stopped the duo from talking about their chances of owning the 20-time English champions.
That hasn't stopped the duo from talking about their chances of owning the 20-time English champions in the past. Speaking at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in 2024, Ronaldo, 41, suggested that he could fix the club's problems should he take charge.
He said: "The problem of Manchester United is the same. The problem is not always the coach. It's much more than that. If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there."
Meanwhile, the former UFC two-weight world champion made his intentions known back in 2021. Though his proposition was somewhat tongue-in-cheek.
McGregor caused a stir on X before Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in United from Old Trafford proprietors, the Glazer family. McGregor posted: "Hey guys. I'm thinking about buying Manchester United! What do you think?"
UFC fighter Conor McGregor with footballer Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Connor McGregor have both discussed buying Man Utd(Image: Conor McGregor/Instagram)
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He followed up saying: "I am certainly interested in acquiring a sports team at some stage! Both Celtic and Man United are teams I like for sure. But I am open. I feel I could do big things for a club."
Real Madrid legend Ronaldo made the investment in Almeria through his CR7 Sports company, as part of the club's ownership consortium led by SMC Group. While buying United outright is probably beyond the Al-Nassr superstar right now, it does suggest he is looking to take his first steps on a road to club ownership.
Ronaldo, who earns £178m annually from his current side Al Nassr, said on Almeria's X account: "It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond just on the pitch.
"UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the next phase of the club's growth."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor laugh
Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor have staggering net worths(Image: cristiano/Instagram)
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Connor McGregor attend Jennifer Lopez's birthday
Cristiano Ronaldo and Connor McGregor have both discussed buying Man Utd(Image: Getty Images)
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While things are looking up on the pitch under interim boss Michael Carrick for United, the Glazers, the majority owners, remain unpopular.
Ratcliffe, whose INEOS company runs the club's football operations after buying into the club three years ago, has also come under fire for various decisions, including drastic rounds of cost-cutting.
Speaking in 2025, Ratcliffe revealed his long-term ambitions for United. He said: "Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world, in my view, and from that will stem, I hope, a long-term, sustainable, high-level of football."
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