Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has been treated in hospital after suffering a stroke, it emerged today.

The 78-year-old, who controversially took control of the club in a £790 million buyout last summer, was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic in Florida after suffering the attack on Easter Sunday.

He left hospital today, but the stroke has left him with impaired speech and a lack of mobility in his right arm and leg.

The tycoon's son, Joel, said his father was in good spirits and that his condition would improve after further treatment.

In a statement released through the club, he said: "On behalf of the entire Glazer family, I want to thank everyone at the Cleveland Clinic for their outstanding care.

"My father's spirits are high and doctors expect his condition to improve with rehabilitation."

It is now likely that Glazer will undergo further physiotherapy sessions aimed at recovering most, if not all, the movement he has lost.

The news will come as a shock to fans of both United and Glazer's NFL franchise, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

At no stage over the past week has there been any indication Glazer was ill.

United officials were eager to play down the impact on the day-to-day running of the club.

Although Malcolm Glazer's name underpinned the United takeover, he left liaison with chief executive David Gill and his fellow Manchester-based directors to sons Joel, Ave and Bryan.

Glazer senior has still to attend a Red Devils game in person.