Woodward can’t win with the Fergie factor

THE latest criticism levelled at Ed Woodward is that he has alienated Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United by failing to consult him on major policy decisions. This overlooks the first call made after Ferguson stood down — his successor — in which he was very much involved. If, having given David Moyes a six-year contract and then sacking him before the first year was out, Woodward had announced he was returning to Ferguson for a second recommendation, it is unlikely he would have been praised for his business acumen. What? After that last debacle? Doesn’t the man have any ideas of his own? It is not as if United have garnered universal praise, either, with a willingness to embrace the past. One of the criticisms of the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — and the proposed engagement of Mike Phelan and old boys such as Rio Ferdinand on transfer committees — is that the club is too in thrall to history. Equally, Manchester United have not operated with a director of football, even since Ferguson (below) stood down. Transfer policy is very much within the remit of the manager. If Ferguson was brought in as a sounding board on the biggest calls it would make him the overseer. And how would that play out, given his fractious relationship with some key players? Ferguson, famously, didn’t get on with Mino Raiola, agent for several of United’s most significant signings. So, if Woodward went to Ferguson, and Ferguson said he wouldn’t have Raiola near the club, what would he then tell Jose Mourinho about the acquisition of Paul Pogba or Romelu Lukaku? It is not as simple as asking the opinion of a wise old sage. It would be an insult to ask, then ignore. But to ask and then act upon means potentially alienating the manager. Ferguson’s retainer is to work as an ambassador, not a consultant. He is there at matches and, one imagines, offers his thoughts. Plainly, he has the ear of Solskjaer. But who would want to manage Manchester United with the thought Ferguson was marking his homework, vetoing his signings, providing his employers with a running commentary? So, yes, by all means listen when the man speaks, as Ferguson would to Sir Matt Busby — no one has earned that more — but Ferguson surrendered his right to direct policy at Manchester United when he stepped down six years ago.