Rory McIlroy, a future investor in Manchester United?

Rory McIlroy has admitted that he would be open to investing in Manchester United. United, who are on the verge of selling a 25 per cent stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is the club McIlroy supported as a boy.

Ratcliffe looks set to have won the takeover race after Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani withdrew his offer to buy the Premier League club a week ago. The British businessman is expected to take control over all sporting decisions at Old Trafford should his reported bid of £1.35 billion gain approval from the club’s board.

McIlroy keen on Man Utd

However, the golfer from Northern Ireland says he would like to make a small minority investment in United should the opportunity present itself.

“Sports team ownership used to be limited to private equity, and people who had a ton of money,” the 34-year-old told Sky Sports.

“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.”

Golfers investing in soccer clubs

McIlroy also discussed the roles that fellow golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have in the game.

“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.”