Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer dies at 85

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer passed away Wednesday morning. He was 85 years old. 

The announcement was made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL, a team that was also owned by the American businessman.

Glazer purchased the Premier League club for £790 million in May 2005 amid protests from fans who were displeased with the large amount of debt involved in the deal. 

However, under his ownership the Red Devils captured five league titles (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013), as well as the 2008 Champions League crown.

While the American football franchise notes in its press release (linked above) that the team will remain in the Glazer family, Manchester United have yet to make any formal comment one way or the other on the matter.

Mike Keegan of the Manchester Evening News is reporting that the elder Glazer's passing "will not affect the ownership or operations of the club," though.

Glazer is survived by his wife Linda, six children and 14 grandchildren. Two of his children, sons Joel and Avram, serve as co-chairmen of United.

Glazer's other children - Kevin, Bryan, Darcie and Edward - serve as directors at the club.

Despite their team enjoying continued success under Glazer, United supporters launched a number of well-publicized campaigns in an attempt to force the American out of the club throughout the years.