Woodward out as Manchester United executive vice-chairman

Ed Woodward will leave his role as executive vice-chairman at Manchester United this summer, sources have confirmed.

It comes amid widespread criticism of the proposed European Super League (ESL), but sources said his departure was not related to United's role in the formation of the controversial League, and that he leaves Old Trafford in "amicable" fashion.

Woodward was a key figure in the fiercely controversial plans for the new breakaway league, with his links to US investment bank JP Morgan helping to secure the £4.3billion in financing.

Woodward, 49 joined the club in 2005 after the Glazer Family successfully took over ownership of the club had already agreed with the Glazers, United's owners, that he would finish at Old Trafford at the end of the year, but the announcement has been brought forward to Tuesday evening.

He was named executive vice-chairman in 2012 replacing David Gill as chief executive.

He has been heavily criticised for the club's failure to challenge for the Premier League title and an, at times, shambolic transfer policy.

Woodward took the decision to sack David Moyes less than a year into his six-year contract as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho were also dismissed for failing to match expectations.

Current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed in December 2018 and Woodward has stood by the Norwegian despite inconsistent form.