Ed Woodward has resigned as Manchester United executive vice-chairman, continuing in his role until the end of 2021, after playing a key role in the development of plans for a European Super League.
The 49-year-old took the post at Old Trafford in 2013 and played a key role in the now stuttering Super League.
Woodward’s exit is understood to be amicable with the owners and reportedly unrelated to the Super League.
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Woodward said in an official statement: “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.
“We have invested more than £1bn in the squad during my time here and I am particularly delighted with the progress the players have made under the astute leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching team in the last two years.
“The last 16 months have brought so many unique challenges and the club’s work in the community and around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic has been heroic.
“The financial impact on football clubs has been severe, but United have been one of the most robust and resilient in the face of extraordinary financial pressures.
“I would like to thank United’s passionate fans for their support during the good and bad times. I know this has been a challenging period in our history, but your support for the team has never, ever been in doubt.
“Finally, it has been a pleasure to work with so many magnificent, talented and hard-working people.”
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.”
Gary Neville discussed Woodward's departure on Sky Sports after full time in Chelsea v Brighton, saying that he was "the trunk of the tree", and that the "Glazers have no place in Manchester anymore".
He was understandably delighted with the happenings on Monday evening, saying; “It’s absolutely incredible. There was large concern yesterday morning as a Manchester United fan thinking Joel Glazer put his name on a statement – you thought it’s going to be difficult to back down.
“But City have enacted withdrawal proceedings and Chelsea are doing the same. It’s gone, done!”
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