Buccaneer, Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer dies at age 85

Malcolm Glazer, the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the populat soccer team Manchester United has died on Wednesday. He was 85.

Malcolm Glazer photo/screenshot YouTube

His death was announced by the Buccaneers. The team did not may details. Glazer had become increasingly reclusive after suffering a stroke in 2006 that impaired his speech and his mobility in his right arm. His family has represented him in running the football and soccer franchises.

The Buccaneers said Wednesday that Mr. Glazer’s wife, Linda, along with their five sons and a daughter, would continue family ownership under a long-established estate succession plan.

Even in death, Glazer’s impact in on Manchester United fans is that of legend, devisive and emotional.

“Glazer had completed a takeover as controversial as any ever seen in British sport. Glazer’s stewardship split the United fan base…Some were ambivalent, preferring to concentrate on matters on the field. The majority were vehemently opposed,” BBC writes.

There is a sharp contrast in the legeacy as flags were flown at half mast in Tampa and as the BBC writer notes, “Bucs lifted the Super Bowl under Glazer’s stewardship in 2002. Their new stadium was his responsibility, too. They may have been equally reluctant to speak in public, but in Tampa the Glazer family were afforded a warmth never replicated in Manchester….”

Here’s a tribute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbaui1_gk1U