Man Utd's former owner Malcolm Glazer dies at 85

Malcolm Glazer, the billionaire who led a controversial takeover of Manchester United, has died aged 85. 

The Glazer family purchased United for £790m in May 2005 amid protests from the Premier League club's fans.

However, they went on to win five Premier League titles and the Champions League under his ownership. 

The New York-born American's sons, Joel and Avram, took over the day-to-day running of the club after their father suffered a stroke in April 2006.

"The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with his family," said a spokesman for the Premier League club.

The Glazer family retain a 90% share in United - split equally among Glazer's six children - with 10% listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Glazer, who never actually set foot inside Old Trafford, gradually bought out United shareholders between 2003 and 2005.

His takeover was largely funded by loans secured against the club's assets, a move that took them heavily into debt and sat uneasily with many fans at Old Trafford.

culled: bbcsport