Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Ed Woodward living high life post Man Utd exit - including holidays with Gary Lineker

Ed Woodward has wasted no time in enjoying life after leaving his highly scrutinised role at Manchester United.

It was announced back in April that the Englishman would be leaving his post as the club's executive-vice chairman.

Woodward had been at the club for over a decade, taking up a key role back in 2012.

United's decline and problems during his tenure often saw him in the spotlight with poor decisions made on and off the pitch.

He eventually exited earlier this month, allowing Richard Arnold to step in.

Woodward, now free from the pressures of working at arguably the world's biggest club, has found time to enjoy himself.

Will Man Utd finish in the top four this season? Have your say in the comments!

Ed Woodward left Man Utd recently and was replaced by Richard Arnold (right) (PA)

He has embarked on a wine-tasting trip to Cape Town with his neighbour Gary Lineker, according to the Daily Mail.

Woodward has also gone on a flying visit to his own vineyard in northern Portugal and enjoyed a family skiing holiday in France.

The 50-year-old from Essex presided over a period at Old Trafford whereby he sacked several managers including Jose Mourinho.

Huge money was spent on transfer and player wages with little return as the likes of Angel di Maria, Romelu Lukaku and Radamel Falcao came and went in short periods.

Record signing Paul Pogba has also been allowed to run down his contract and could leave for nothing this summer.

United are in the midst of a trophy drought that dates back to 2017 but Woodward claimed, after it was announced he was leaving, that he felt the club was well placed to challenge in the future.

He said: “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.

“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."

The qualified accountant has been utilising his down time, enjoying trips with Gary Lineker (OLI SCARFF/Getty Images)

Woodward also underlined his faith in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite being at the club when he was sacked earlier this season.

He also added: “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."

Joel Glazer said upon his departure: “I would like to thank Ed for his tireless work on behalf of Manchester United during his nine years as executive vice-chairman and 16 years with the club."

Woodward chose not to appoint a permanent successor to Solskjaer before his left, opting to hire Ralf Rangnick in an interim role.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.