Conor McGregor ‘open’ to Man United ownership as former UFC champion reveals talks about acquiring Celtic shares from Dermot Desmond

Conor McGregor revealed he has held conversations about buying Celtic shares from Dermot Desmond.

However, the former UFC double champion still harbours dreams of owning Manchester United – the club he supported as a boy.

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McGregor revealed in a tweet in April suggesting he was considering buying the Red Devils amid the meltdown from the European Super League and subsequent fallout with the Glazer family.

Although the American family have since vowed to meet fans and invest in the playing squad, there were plenty hoping the Irish MMA star was serious about his offer.

Yet it seems as though it is more likely he will be investing in Celtic having held talks about acquiring shares in the Parkhead outfit.

When asked on Twitter about his potential Manchester United bid, he said: “A conversation came up regarding Celtic first to be honest. To acquire shares from Dermot Desmond.

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“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.”

McGregor has previously explained he was attracted to the winning mentality of United and its Ireland internationals in Denis Irwin and Roy Keane.

“I came across an old picture of myself wearing that infamous grey United jersey, which I bought with my [First Holy] Communion money at eight years of age,” he recalled in one interview. “I see my son when I look at that photo. I’d love to know where it is now. A truly ‘Notorious’ football jersey!”

Dublin-born McGregor’s net worth stands at an estimated £181million – with Celtic valued at around £118m by the Stock Exchange.

Irish tycoon Desmond – worth more than £1.5billion – is the club’s majority shareholder but recently announced he would not give up his 19.8 per cent stake.

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He said: “I am as passionate about Celtic as any other supporter. My shares are not for sale.”

The Irishman is firm friends with Arsenal star Kieran Tierney, even wearing the former Celtic star’s shirt whilst training.

The 32-year-old returns to the Octagon on July 10 at UFC 264 when he faces Dustin Poirier for the third time in his career, hoping to avenge the defeat from Fight Island.