Ed Woodward resigned as Manchester United’s vice-president on Tuesday after underestimating the backlash from supporters due to the club’s involvement in the unfortunate Super League.
Since the breakout competition was announced on Sunday night, it has been widely condemned over football. Fans, players and managers have been critical, while FIFA, UEFA and the domestic leagues have threatened sanctions.
The Big Six does not look so great right now | Visionhaus / Getty Images
Following this, the proposed Super League imploded on Tuesday night with all six Premier League clubs involved withdrawing and their European counterparts will follow immediately. In the midst of the chaos, it was also announced that Woodward – one of the architects of the plans – would resign from his role at the end of the season.
Initially, United informed that his resignation had nothing to do with the Super League and that the pair went well. However, the Manchester Evening News has since reported that Woodward left after being shocked by the strength of supporters’ opposition to the plans.
A source said the executive vice president was left “spinning” by the backlash, which led to him leaving his resignation by phone to Joel Glazer on Tuesday lunchtime. As reported by the Times, Glazer tried to persuade him to stay, but Woodward insisted his mind was determined.
• Man City withdraw from ESL • Chelsea start withdrawal process • Ed Woodward’s resignation • Rumors of Andrea Agnelli resigning • Petr Cech tries to control protesters outside Stamford Bridge
European Super League relegation continues! ? pic.twitter.com/0ZRNAT0H No.
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) April 21, 2021
Although United’s first statement suggested that he leave at the end of 2021, he has now fallen on his sword and will leave after the culmination of the current campaign.
His reign in charge of the Red Devils has been marked by commercial growth off the field, offset by underperformance on the pitch. Since Woodward was promoted to the board in 2012, United have invested heavily in the squad and have signed the likes of Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire and Romelu Lukaku for crucial fees.
Despite this, their trophy drive has been scarce, with the Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup the only silverware. There is no love lost between Woodward and the fans with most fans happy to see the back of him.
