Ed denies United are plotting a new Euro top flight

ED WOODWARD yesterday denied Manchester United were involved in a proposed breakaway European Premier League, but says they are in discussions over an expanded Champions League from 2024.

United and Liverpool have been named as being among the clubs in talks over a new competition, said to be backed by American investment bank JP Morgan.

But executive vice-chairman Woodward told investors: ‘I saw the reports on that and candidly don’t know where that story came from, but there isn’t really anything for us to say.

‘We are talking about potential changes to the Champions League from 2024. You might have read a story about whether the Champions League may go to 36 teams. They’re the conversations we’re actively involved in.’

Woodward also said the Premier League must ‘deliver on its promise’ to look at the structure and financing of the English game.

He admitted United had played an ‘active role’ in Project Big Picture plans, which were rejected by other top-flight clubs, and said: ‘We must ensure the huge success of the Premier League is reinforced while ensuring the wider football pyramid continues to thrive.’

‘We are pleased the Premier League has committed to work on a plan for the future structures and financing of English football.’

Woodward defended United’s transfer policy after missing out on some of their top summer targets, including Jadon Sancho.

‘We have a clear strategy under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] to build a successful, committed team, with a core of homegrown talent blended with high-quality recruits, that plays fast-flowing, attacking football,’ he said.

And he also voiced frustration at top-flight grounds still being empty, saying: ‘If people are allowed to sit on an airplane for hours, or in the cinema, then why are they not allowed inside a stadium which is professionally managed and controlled?’

United’s revenue shrank by almost 20 per cent to £509million in the year to June, as the impact of the pandemic affected the club.