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

Glazer controversially became owner of Manchester 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 85.”

It is understood Glazer’s death will not have any significant effect on the ownership of the Barclays Premier League club, with the family retaining a 90 per cent share. A spokesperson for the Old Trafford outfit said: “The thoughts of everyone at United are with the family tonight.”

The reclusive Palm Beach businessman had been in failing health since April 2006 when a pair of strokes left him with impaired speech and limited mobility in his right arm and leg.

His unobtrusive management style helped transform the Bucs from a laughing stock into a model franchise that in 2003 won the Super Bowl 48-21 over the Oakland Raiders.

He raised his profile with a $1.47 billion takeover of Manchester United which was bitterly opposed by fans of one of the world’s richest soccer clubs in 2005.

The English football team has won five Premier League titles, and one Champions League title since the takeover.

PA/Reuters