United legend Ince launches attack on Woodward

PAUL INCE claims Manchester United have lost their identity – and has pointed the finger of blame at executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

United slumped to eighth in the Premier League, 10 points off the top, after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat atWest Ham. Ex-United star Ince accused Woodward, left, of not providing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with enough investment in his squad and of being more interested in profit margins than points.

Ince, right, said: “The results are going to be up and down all season. I’m prepared to

accept that, as long as they challenge for the top four.

“I’m more concerned about the director of football situation and the way Ed Woodward is building the club.

“He’s rightly getting a lot of stick – people who appoint managers should be made accountable. For the results, for the structure of the club, for the recruitment and so on.

“Woodward isn’t a football man, he’s a money man. From that perspective, I’m sure he’s doing a great job – but the fans don’t give a toss about the money if it isn’t being invested into the team.”

Ince, pictured in his United days, added: “Fans want Manchester Unitedquality players on the pitch, to be entertained, to be winning things, and they’re not getting that.

“It doesn’t look like a United team any more.

“The fans are unbelievable, they’ll get behind the team no matter what. But they deserve so much more.”

Ince’s explosive claims came as United moved to assure their fans that success on the pitch is their priority.

With results poor, many fans have accused the club of putting commercial interests ahead of the team.

They have not won the title since 2013 and have fallen far behind rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

But a United spokesman said: “Everyone at the club, from the owners down, is focused on competing for and winning trophies at the highest level.

“To do that we have invested heavily in the playing squad and will continue to do so. It’s important to note that while our successful commercial operation helps drive that investment, the priority is the focus on achieving success on the pitch.”

● PAUL INCE was talking exclusively to Paddy Power. For more from Paddy Power’s columnists, visit: news.paddypower.com