Ed Woodward to step down as Manchester United executive vice-chairman

The Super League has fallen apart, and Woodward has gone

Ed Woodward will step down as as executive vice-chairman of Manchester United at the end of 2021, after a number of clubs withdrew from plans to form a Super League. It was announced late on Sunday night that 12 of Europe's 'leading clubs' including AC Milan, Spurs and Arsenal would form a Super League, but the backlash from fans all over the world has seen the proposal fall apart on Tuesday night. Chelsea were the first to withdraw from the competition, with Barcelona, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid soon following suit. Manchester United faced heavy criticism for their part in the plans to form a closed shop of elite clubs, and as a result Ed Woodward has stepped down from his position at the top of Man United's board. It has been confirmed that the resignation had in fact already been planned, but the announcement that he is departing has been brought forward. He is to remain in post for the rest of 2021. In a statement posted to the club website, Woodward said: " 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." 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. "His contribution to the club has been massive, and he will always be welcome at Old Trafford as a part of the Manchester United family."