Controversial United owner Glazer dies, aged 86

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died, his NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced last night.

Glazer controversially became owner of United in May 2005 and his tenure was an uneasy one, with many fans unhappy at the level of debt his takeover had put on the club, who have largely continued to prosper ever since.

The Buccaneers announced on their official website: “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of owner/president Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 86.”

It is understood Glazer’s death will not have any significant effect on the ownership of the Premier League club, with the family retaining a 90% share.

A spokesperson for the Old Trafford outfit said: “The thoughts of everyone at United are with the family tonight.”

Tampa Bay paid tribute to New York-born Glazer as a “pioneering thinker” and a “dynamic business leader”, with the club achieving seven play-off berths, five play-off victories and their only Super Bowl triumph 12 years ago following his 1995 takeover.

He came to attention in Britain with his acquisition of United nine years ago, using loans against the club’s assets to finance his takeover, which totalled almost £800 million (€983m).

United had previously been a debt-free club and it was Glazer’s means that brought the ire of a number of supporters, although the club have continued to enjoy plenty of good times on the pitch — including five Premier League titles, three League Cups and the 2007/08 Champions League.

Speaking in July 2012, then United manager Alex Ferguson mounted a staunch defence of the Glazer regime.

“I am comfortable with the Glazer situation. They have been great,” he said.

“They have always backed me whenever I have asked them. I have never faced any opposition.

“They have always been as sensible as they can be in terms of financing the club. They have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset.

“When the Glazers took over here there was dissatisfaction, so there have always been pockets of supporters who have their views. But I think the majority of real fans will look at it realistically and say it’s not affecting the team.”

Born in Rochester, New York as one of seven children, Glazer took over his family business at the age of 15 following the death of his father and went on to thrive in professional business, owning or becoming a substantial shareholder in a number of renowned public companies.

Glazer is survived by his wife Linda, six children — including United’s co-chairmen Joel and Avram — and 14 grandchildren.

The Buccaneers have announced a private family funeral service will be held in due course.

Financial analyst David Buik said he believes Glazer, who had been ill for some time, would have made all necessary arrangements for the running of the club in the event of his death.

“When you advancing in years, if you haven’t made provisions for an unhappy event such as this then you have not done your homework,” he said.

“I don’t believe for one minute that an American businessman who has got exposure in debt, in a substantial manner — and having two sons, Avram and Joel who are hands on — won’t have made provisions.

“I can’t believe for one moment that the Glazer’s have not got their affairs in order. What happens tomorrow morning? It possible the share price might come bit as a reaction. But the rest of the Glazer family is in place.”