Man Utd: Pundit accuses Ed Woodward of lying about transfers
Manchester United chief Ed Woodward is still backed by the Glazers despite being a divisive figure among supporters, according to reports. The Red Devils supremo has failed to steer the club anywhere near winning the Premier League title since replacing David Gill in 2013. But it appears United’s American owners are happy for him to continue in his current role of executive vice-chairman.
Manchester United were rocked in 2013 when both Sir Alex Ferguson and Gill, two men who had helped them dominate the Premier League, stepped down.
And, in the years since their departures, the Red Devils have got nowhere near winning the title again.
Woodward has become a controversial figure among fans. While they acknowledge he’s superb at managing the business side of the football club, his sporting choices have left much to be desired.
It was he who pulled the plug on David Moyes’ reign as manager in 2014, sacking the Scot just 10 months into a six-year contract.
Woodward oversaw the appointment of Louis van Gaal that same year but the Dutchman was gone 24 months later, with one year remaining on his contract.
And the United chief also hired and fired Jose Mourinho, who was chopped in December 2018.
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Despite his past failures, however, The Athletic say the Glazers still very much trust Woodward and his judgement.
And it appears that, with that the case, the Red Devils currently have no plans to appoint a director of football to oversee transfer business.
Woodward’s recruitment record has been far from perfect throughout his seven years in the role.
He only managed to sign Marouane Fellaini for Moyes in 2013, despite the current West Ham boss hoping to buy the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas at the time.
Van Gaal has previously hit out at Woodward for failing to land the likes of Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski throughout his spell in charge - with Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao all proving to be flops.
And Mourinho didn’t get the players he wanted, being snubbed when he attempted to land Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire months before his sacking.
And so too are the likes of Jack Grealish, Moussa Dembele and Jude Bellingham.
Woodward did recently warn, though, that it won’t be business as usual this summer because of the coronavirus crisis.
"We will continue looking for more ways of supporting those in need for as long as the pandemic continues," said Woodward.
"Everyone is grappling with the economic realities of the pandemic and we are no different. The longer the crisis continues the greater the impact will be for every club, including ourselves.
"But it is important to acknowledge the part played by our successful business in allowing us to fulfil our social responsibilities. We have always believed that our commercial model gives us greater resilience than most clubs.
"We are eager to see the team return to the field as soon as we are advised it is safe to do so.
“And while it may be that games need to be played behind closed doors in the shorter term, we all recognise that football will not be fully back to normal until supporters are once again in attendance."