Man Utd: Pundit accuses Ed Woodward of lying about transfers
Manchester United have not ruled out hiring Edwin van der Sar or a similar outside candidate as Ed Woodward’s replacement, according to reports. Woodward announced his decision to leave Old Trafford earlier in the week. And while Richard Arnold appears the likeliest successor, the Red Devils may go for somebody else instead.
Woodward was named as United’s executive vice-chairman back in 2013, taking over from David Gill.
Yet while he’s signed some big players during his time at Old Trafford, he’s never lived up to fans’ dizzying expectations.
Woodward has become a poster boy of evil for many United supporters, many of which have accused him of being too close to the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
They were delighted in the week when the 49-year-old quit, announcing his resignation and revealing he’d be departing at the end of the year.
And ESPN say United could yet go for Van der Sar, with the appointment of an outside candidate ‘not ruled out’.
The Dutchman signed from Fulham in the summer transfer window of 2005, replacing Tim Howard between the sticks.
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When announcing his decision to leave, Woodward insisted he was happy with his work at United - acknowledging it had sometimes been tough.
“I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years,” he said.
“The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year.
“I will treasure the memories from my time at Old Trafford, during a period when we won the Europa League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. I am proud of the regeneration of the club’s culture and our return to the Manchester United way of playing.
“We have invested more than £1bn in the squad during my time here and I am particularly delighted with the progress the players have made under the astute leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching team in the last two years.
Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar won the lot at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)
“I am sure that with the changes we have made on-field and to the coaching and football staff in recent years this great club will soon be lifting silverware again. It deserves to.
“I desperately wanted the club to win the Premier League during my tenure and I am certain the foundations are in place for us to win it back for our passionate fans.
“Our world-famous academy is flourishing again, with 34 players progressing into the first team since 2013, and it has been a pleasure to watch talents such as Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Axel Tuanzebe flourish in the first team environment. In the years to come the club’s production line of young talent will continue to push established first team players for their places. That competition bodes well for the future.
“We have also established Manchester United Women and their progress is further evidence of the demand for success at this great club.
“The last 16 months have brought so many unique challenges and the club's work in the community and around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic has been heroic.
“The financial impact on football clubs has been severe, but United have been one of the most robust and resilient in the face of extraordinary financial pressures.
Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has resigned from his role (Image: GETTY)
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“I would like to thank United’s passionate fans for their support during the good and bad times. I know this has been a challenging period in our history, but your support for the team has never, ever been in doubt.
“Finally, it has been a pleasure to work with so many magnificent, talented and hard-working people.”
United co-owner Joel Glazer has vowed to do better following the recent collapse of the European Super League, something that ultimately sealed Woodward’s fate.
“To all Manchester United supporters,” a statement read.
“Over the past few days, we have all witnessed the great passion which football generates, and the deep loyalty our fans have for this great club.
“You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right.
“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction."