Fresh off slipping on that long-awaited Green Jacket, Rory McIlroy’s next dream could be swapping Augusta for Old Trafford – by buying a slice of the club he’s adored since boyhood.
The newly-crowned Masters champ, finally ending his decade-long wait for a career Grand Slam, has never been shy about his passion for Manchester United. Now, with his bank account bulging after another monster payday, the 35-year-old Northern Irishman may just have the clout to put his money where his heart is.
Money Issues?
McIlroy bagged a cool $4 million for outlasting Justin Rose in a gripping play-off at Augusta National. That jackpot comes hot on the heels of his $4.9 million win at The Players and $3.9 million at Pebble Beach, bringing his 2025 haul to over $12.8 million – and we’re only in April.
Add that to a staggering $97 million in career PGA Tour earnings and an estimated net worth of $280 million, and it’s fair to say Rory isn’t short of a few bob.
Boyhood Dream
But it’s not just about the cash. McIlroy’s made no secret of his United allegiance. “I would love to be able to own a tiny percentage of the club I grew up cheering on as a boy,” he told Sky Sports last year at the US Grand Prix.
“I would have loved to have taken 0.00001 per cent of Manchester United when Jim Ratcliffe took 25 per cent. If another opportunity comes my way, I’ll look at it. But it’s not something that’s come across our table just yet.”
And make no mistake – this isn’t some passing fancy. “I’m certainly a fan,” McIlroy told the Golf Channel. “It’s always been a dream to be involved in the club in some way.”
But with Sir Jim Ratcliffe shelling out a jaw-dropping $1.6 billion for a 27.7% stake in the club back in February, any deal wouldn’t come cheap – though even a whisper of McIlroy’s name being linked to the Theatre of Dreams will have fans buzzing.
