Controversial Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died at the age of 85.
Mr Glazer's death was announced in a brief statement on the website of his American football franchise, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It comes just days after the club appointed Louis van Gaal to replace David Moyes, who was sacked as manager following a single dismal season.
A Manchester United spokesman said: "The thoughts of everyone at United are with the [Glazer] family tonight."
Mr Glazer controversially became owner of United in May 2005 and his tenure 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.
However, the American tycoon - who was thought to be worth about $4billion - and his family retained the support of then manager Sir Alex Ferguson during the difficult period.
The Buccaneers announced on their official website: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of owner/president Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85."
It is understood Glazer's death will not have any significant effect on the ownership of the Barclays Premier League club, with the family retaining a 90 per cent share.
The reclusive Palm Beach businessman had been in failing health since April 2006 when a pair of strokes left him with impaired speech and limited mobility in his right arm and leg.
His unobtrusive management style helped transform the Bucs from a laughing stock into a model franchise that in 2003 won the Super Bowl 48-21 over the Oakland Raiders.
He raised his profile with a 1.47 billion US dollar takeover of Manchester United which was bitterly opposed by fans of one of the world's richest soccer clubs in 2005.
It is not thought Mr Glazer's death will affect the ownership or running of the former champions.
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