The condition of former Manchester United soccer player George Best has deteriorated overnight and he remains critically ill, a hospital spokesman said on Thursday.

"Mr George Best remains critical. He has had a bad night and his condition has deteriorated slightly," the spokesman said.

Best, 59, who has had an alcohol problem for much of his adult life, has been in hospital since the beginning of October and was put on a life support machine last week after he picked up a lung infection.