Woodward defends United transfer policy
Ed Woodward has defended Manchester United’s transfer policy as the club struggles to secure a Champions League place.
|||Ed Woodward has defended Manchester United’s transfer policy as the club struggles to secure a Champions League place despite a £250million outlay under Louis van Gaal.
It is understood the Dutchman still has Woodward’s backing even though Jose Mourinho is convinced he will be handed the United job this summer.
However, the Old Trafford executive vice-chairman is thought to be reluctant to voice his support publicly in case Van Gaal fails to qualify for the Champions League, effectively making the manager’s position untenable.
Woodward (below) did not mention Van Gaal by name yesterday when discussing another round of record figures from the club’s latest financial report.
Pressed by investors over why United languish in fifth place when Leicester sit top of the Premier League with a team assembled for £22m, Woodward insisted the two clubs are operating in different markets and that he will continue to shop for world-class talent.
He said: ‘Leicester are a fantastic reference point for everybody this year.
‘The philosophy we have is to target the quality of players based on the huge amount of scouting that we do and analysis within the training ground. Then we do our best to do the best deal we can.
‘Some players are bought by other clubs with an eye to them developing into something special in a few years’ time, but there is a bit more pressure on the bigger clubs to bring in players who hit the ground running and are verging on world-class almost immediately.
‘There is a slightly different market in which people are buying.’
United underlined their financial power again yesterday by announcing record second-quarter revenue of £133.8m.
The increase of 26.6 per cent is largely due to a 42.5 per cent rise in commercial revenue, and a 31.3 per cent rise in broadcasting revenue boosted by United’s appearances in the group stage of the Champions League earlier this season.
The club’s debt has fallen slightly to £322m, with total revenue for the year expected to top £500m.
Even so, Woodward pledged that United are still committed to promoting homegrown talent and promised news on the overhaul of the club’s academy ‘in the coming days’.
He added: ‘The academy continues to be the heart of the club. Giving youth a chance is part of our DNA. Our key competitive advantages are still very strong; our unmatched record of player development compared to any other team in England.’
Meanwhile, former United player Rio Ferdinand believes United would be taking a gamble if they opt for Ryan Giggs rather than Mourinho to replace Van Gaal.
Ferdinand said: ‘If you want someone who has got a career track record in winning in the Premier League, then Mourinho is that guy.
‘But if you want someone who understands the philosophy, who identifies with the fans, knows the place inside out, but who is going to be a bigger risk, then Ryan Giggs is that guy.’
Ferdinand’s former England team-mate Frank Lampard is certain Mourinho would take the Old Trafford job in his stride.
Lampard, who played under the Portuguese at Chelsea, told This Morning: ‘I spoke to him briefly when he left Chelsea. I think he’s the type of manager who will come into their thinking.
‘He could handle a club like that... that is what he is about.’ – Daily Mail