Who could replace Ed Woodward at Man Utd? Four candidates after Ed Woodward resigns
Ed Woodward resigned from his role at Manchester United as executive vice-chairman, following backlash from fans over the club's involvement with the European Super League. Who could replace Ed Woodward at Man Utd? Express Sport analyses four potential candidates, including a United legend.
Ed Woodward Resigns Amid Collapse Of European Super League
Ed Woodward has stepped down from his role as executive vice-chairman at Manchester United, it's been confirmed. The Red Devils have confirm his departure, and Woodward will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the year.
Woodward took over as head of operations in 2013, following the retirement of David Gill.
He was originally planning to resign at the end of the year, but the backlash to the Super League has brought the announcement forward, it's been reported.
It's not clear who could take over from Woodward at United, however.
If the United hierarchy do decide to replace him, there are four key candidates that could step into Woodward's shoes.
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Darren Fletcher
At the same time that Murtough was handed a new role at United, former Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher become the technical director.
His appointment was designed to improvement focus on "a co-ordinated and long-term approach to player and squad development".
Fletcher is comparatively inexperienced in commercial dealings, but the club has been crying out for a more football-driven mind at the helm for a number of years.
Fans would undoubtedly welcome Fletcher's appointment, if the club decided to go ahead with finding a Woodward replacement.
Ed Woodward: The United chief has reportedly stepped down at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY Images)
Michael Emenalo has previously been backed to takeover from Woodward.
He's a Nigerian former left-back that's been the technical director at Chelsea and AS Monaco.
He oversaw Chelsea's transformation under Roman Abramovich, and has been praised by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright for his work in west London.
Wright said on the Kelly & Wrighty Show: "We're talking about under [Roman] Abramovich with three different managers and he still managed, because he's a football man, to get the job done. What happened with Chelsea was that when we say 'another manager's come in', but they're still winning trophies.
"This is the thing because he's put culture and [template] in where they can just put that player in, bring that manager in, and they can go forward and do it.
"That's what Man United need and that is what they haven't got and that is the elephant in the room."