Manchester United: Ed Woodward hits back at critics and backs boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

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By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward says asserts non-football folks take significant football decisions in the Old Trafford club have been”a myth” and”an insult”.
United are 12th in the Premier League and 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, that they play Sunday (16:30 BST).
It has been claimed Woodward has sway on the group of Solskjaer, and Jose Mourinho’s ahead of him.
But Woodward says decisions on gamers ‘ are”not created by senior management”.
Amid United’s current struggles, particular attention has been paid to their failure to sign a striker once it became Alexis Sanchez and evident Romelu Lukaku are departing for Inter Milan.
The club decided against making a go at that time although it is understood Juventus front-man Mario Mandzukic was considered.
The conclusion appears to have backfired as United have fought goals – scoring only five times in their previous seven league games.
Woodward, speaking in the yearly all-staff assembly of the club, says a number are wrong.
“There’s a myth that we have non-football folks making football decisions,” he explained. “I believe that’s insulting to the brilliant people who work on the soccer side in this club”
He added:”We have expanded our recruiting department in the past few years and we think this today runs in an efficient and effective manner.
“Player decisions and recommendations are worked by this section and from the first-team manager and his team, not by senior administration ”
While the club’s owners were the subject of supporter discontent during the dismal 1-0 defeat on 6 October woodward has come under fire lately.
However, it is being worried funds will be accessible should signings that are prospective emerge January, and it is viewed as a important month by some in making sure a season doesn’t career out of control.
Club sources know the current situation is way below expectations.
This is United’s worst start to a league campaign in 30 decades, with no longer than 1 goal on the opening day of this effort in any game since the victory over Chelsea and three wins from 11 games in all competitions.
Yet any mid-season recruitment is going to be done with a long term view. Signing elderly players for its interest is being ruled out.
United’s three summer signings – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and also Daniel James – have made a positive effects.
“The changes we found over the summer have resulted in a really young group,” said Woodward.
“But it’s also a squad, with the players and the civilization, that offers a base camp for us to develop and develop out of as we begin our new travel.”
Solskjaer confronted with the possibility of either operating with a slimmed down squad or enrolling players below the level he wanted this summer and has power of veto over any registering, went to the choice.
Senior United figures accepted this even though everybody, from the director down, knew inherent risk was attracted by it if injuries struck that they have.
Solskjaer is under pressure to reverse the situation .
Resources are determined the 46-year-old retains the support of the Glazer family as well as Woodward.
Woodward mentioned last month the club required to be individual and it is understood that the circumstance would not be changed by even a significant defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
“The middle section of last year, following Ole’s arrival, feels relevant to what we want to reach and where we would like to be,” said Woodward.
“We saw a group playing fast, fluid football, using a clear representation of this style and philosophy the supervisor wants.
“Ole has also instilled the discipline back into an environment where we may have lacked it in the past couple of years. He’s constructing a squad which respects the history, where players honor their team-mates and work hard of the club. No-one is bigger than the heart.”
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