Ed Woodward wants to remain in football, despite his struggles at Premier League giants Manchester United.
The 50-year-old, who held the title of executive vice-chairman, was United's top operational officer between 2013 and 2022. During that time, the team won just three major trophies - the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League - the most recent of which came in 2017.
Woodward sacked four managers during his tenure, deployed a scattergun approach in the transfer market and, despite later insisting his opposition, led United into the doomed Super League project, which aimed to create a closed shop of elite European clubs.
Woodward was succeeded by new CEO Richard Arnold in February and many assumed the former investment banker would pursue a career in finance. Yet he's since held meetings with executives, clubs and high fliers over a return to the game.
The former United chief was widely regarded as public enemy No1 among supporters due to the team's decline and his close relationship with the Glazers - the unpopular owners. Woodward advised the Glazers during their takeover in 2005.
Rumours in November suggested Woodward would remain at Old Trafford in a consultancy role, despite his reputation with fans. Although nothing has materialised since, it's still an indication of his desire to remain in football.
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Woodward's successor, Arnold, worked under him for 14 years before assuming the top operational role. The new CEO was in charge of the club's commercial activities between 2013 and 2022.
"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," said Woodward in April 2021, when he initially announced his departure on the day the Super League collapsed.
“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... 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.... your support for the team has never, even been in doubt."
Co-chairman Joel Glazer added: "Ed Woodward has served the club with great distinction. On behalf of everyone at United I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his tireless work and dedication.... he will always be welcome at Old Trafford."
