American billionaire Malcolm Glazer, who led a controversial takeover of Premier League side Manchester United in 2005, has reportedly passed away at the age of 86.
The New York-born businessman's sons, Joel and Avram, took over the day-to-day running of the club after their father suffered a stroke in April 2006.
According to the BBC, a spokesman for the Old Trafford side conveyed the club's condolences to the bereaved family, saying that the thoughts of everyone at United are with Glazer's family, which retain a 90 percent share in United - split equally among his six children.
However, Sean Bones, vice chairman of Manchester United Supporters' Trust- whose group Shareholders United were one of the most vociferous anti-Glazer voices during the takeover, said that it would be inappropriate for him to make any comment about the death of Glazer as he did not know the man personally.
Bones further said that as a supporter, he is aware of the detrimental effect the Glazers have had on the football club and the huge debt that has been placed on United.
Glazer, who never actually stepped foot inside Old Trafford, gradually bought out United shareholders between 2003 and 2005 in a takeover 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, the report added.
