Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer dies aged 85

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died, it has been announced. He was 85.

News of the businessman’s death was announced via a statement on the website of American Football franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who Glazer also owned.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85,” read the statement.

“Known among his league peers as a pioneering thinker, Glazer infused his team and employees with the determination and dedication to be the best in the NFL. Glazer’s commitment to building a championship organization has provided the foundation for continued success, on and off the field.

“Mr Glazer’s long established estate succession plan has assured the Buccaneers will remain with the Glazer family for generations to come.

“Linda Glazer, along with their five sons and daughter, will continue to own and operate the team as they have throughout the family’s ownership.”

Glazer, who controversially became owner of United in May 2005, made his fortune after taking over the family watch-parts business at the age 15. Under his ownership, United won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

Glazer’s tenure at Old Trafford 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.

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

An Old Trafford spokesman for said: “The thoughts of everyone at United are with the family tonight.”

Meanwhile Alex Ferguson wanted Carlo Ancelotti to succeed him as Manchester United manager last summer, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Ferguson said he hand-picked David Moyes to follow him into the United hot seat after 26 years in charge. But the former Everton manager may not have been Ferguson's first-choice, according to Real Madrid chief Perez.

Perez claims Ferguson approached Ancelotti last year to offer him the chance to take over at Old Trafford, but he claims the Italian opted for Real Madrid instead.

“I’m absolutely sure [they did],” Perez told Radio Cope when asked if United wanted Ancelotti as their manager. “Not this year, but last year. Ferguson asked him to succeed him.”

Del Bosque offered post
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal will take over at Old Trafford following the World Cup.

Vicente del Bosque apparently also turned down the chance to succeed Moyes at United and was offered the job before Van Gaal, according to reports in the Spanish media.

The veteran Spain manager was nominated as the first-choice replacement for the sacked Scot by Ferguson and the Red Devils made their approach in April, according to a report from AS.com.

But the 63-year-old former Real Madrid boss reportedly would not even consider talking to the club, and instead has signed a new deal to extend his time in charge of the Spanish national team until after Euro 2016.

AS also reports that the Dutch man was only one of three names on United's shortlist, along with Del Bosque and Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone.