Ed Woodward could be £14 million richer when the sale of Manchester United finally goes through.
United's former chief executive and vice-chairman, much maligned for the club's decline and involvement in the proposed European Super League, resigned last year. However, he still retains shares in the club, and therefore has a vested interest in the ongoing saga.
The deadline for the third round of bidding expires at 10pm tonight (Friday), with two candidates set to lead the bidding. Lifelong fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe has this week ignited controversy by tabling a proposal that would see Joel and Avram Glazer remain major stakeholders, even if their siblings Kevin, Bryan, Edward and Darcie sell their portion.
Ratcliffe's latest plans would see the Ineos chief take a controlling 50% stake in the club; paving the way for Avram and Joel to retain a stake of around 20%. The remaining 30% of shares would remain with various others.
That has irked fans who have long called for the removal of the American family. And it also contrasts the intentions of Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is seeking 100% control.
And now it has been revealed that a successful full purchase from any of the bidders would land Woodward, 51, a mammoth windfall. The Athletic has reported that the English businessman has 551,486 shares in United, which equate to £8.8 million at today’s market price of £16.
Sheikh Jassim is already thought to have tabled a bid of £5billion, which would equate to a price of £26 a share. That would amount to a huge £14.3 million payout for Woodward, another development which is likely to incense the club's fans given his low levels of popularity among supporters.
Whoever does take over should at least benefit from the financial windfall of a return to Champions League football, despite United wasting a 2-0 lead to draw at Tottenham on Thursday. United are fourth in the Premier League table and still have a six-point cushion on the chasing pack.
Manager Erik ten Hag has remained tight-lipped on the background noise, opting to only speak about on-field matters. But the next few days could prove pivotal for the long-term future and success of the club, with the Red Devils having failed to win a Premier League title since 2012/13.
