Candidates who could fill role left by Woodward
UNITED’S search for a new executive vice-chairman is under way after Ed Woodward announced his impending resignation from the role.
M.E.N. Sport was informed of Woodward’s intention for this season to be his last full campaign with the Reds in November and the club said the announcement was brought forward to avoid leaks.
The timing of the news coincided with the club’s withdrawal from the doomed Super League on Tuesday night, bringing an end to a dramatic 48 hours in the club’s modern history.
United will now be looking to replace Woodward, but who are the candidates who could replace him? M.E.N. Sport takes a look...
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THE name on top of most fans’ list will be that of club favourite Edwin van der Sar, who is the current chief executive of AFC Ajax.
Not only does the Dutchman have a full understanding of what it means to be a United player, but he has achieved immense success in a similar role already.
Ajax have pulled off their own cultural reset since Van der Sar returned to Amsterdam in 2012 as a marketing director before being promoted to CEO four years later, with a greater emphasis on youth talent as well as a remarkable resurgence on the European stage.
It’s wishful thinking, but he would be warmly received among supporters and could prove to be a key part in regaining the trust which has been lost over the last few days.
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WHILE the big names are the ones that excite fans the most, it is someone like current director Richard Arnold who is probably the most likely candidate for such
EDWIN VAN DER SAR RICHARD ARNOLD
a role. The last three men to occupy the job (Peter Kenyon, David Gill and Woodward) have all been internal appointments: it seems unlikely that tradition will be abandoned this time around.
Arnold joined the club ahead of the 2007/08 season, working as commercial director with responsibility for the management and growth of United’s sponsorship business, retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing business and digital media business.
A key ally to Woodward during his time at Old Trafford, the fellow Bristol University graduate could be the man to replace him as well. ■
A MAN who is often mistaken for one of the Glazer family given his similar resemblance, United’s current chief financial officer Cliff Baty is another front runner for the role.
Just as with Arnold, he is a close ally to the current owners of the club and would make a lot of sense in terms of being an internal appointment.
Baty previously served as chief financial officer and member of the board of directors of Sportech having also worked for Ladbrokes in a number of senior finance roles, as well as a group financial controller of hospitality company Hilton Group from 2004 to 2006.
CLIFF BATY