Buffett, through Berkshire, bought more than 5 million shares of the managed care company, worth an estimated $1.6 billion. Meanwhile, Michael Burry, who became famous in the book and movie The Big Short for his bet against subprime mortgages, bought 20,000 shares. Billionaire David Tepper also increased his stake in the name during the quarter.

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While the "vote of confidence" from Buffett's investment validates the long-term value of UnitedHealth shares, the "management needs to regain trust and credibility with investors, and get back to its beat and raise reputation of the past," said James Harlow, senior vice president at Novare Capital Management.