Who will be the next football director of Manchester United after Ed Woodward's departure?

The news shook the foundations of the football world: Ed Woodward, the controversial executive vice-chairman of Manchester United, announced his resignation. His departure, effective at the end of 2024, marks the end of an era at the English club, an era marked by sporting and financial ups and downs.

Since his arrival in 2005, Woodward became a central figure in United's management, first in the commercial area and then as the club's leader. His tenure, however, was always surrounded by controversy. While some recognize his ability to generate revenue and close lucrative sponsorship deals, others criticize his sporting decisions, considered unwise and detrimental to the team's performance.

Woodward's legacy: Beyond the million-dollar signings?

Woodward's legacy at Manchester United is complex and multifaceted. During his tenure, the club invested heavily in high-profile signings, such as Paul Pogba, Ángel Di María, and Alexis Sánchez. However, many of these signings failed to live up to expectations, generating frustration among fans and raising questions about the club's sports planning.

Beyond the signings, Woodward was the architect of United's commercial strategy, turning it into a revenue-generating machine. His focus on the globalization of the brand and the expansion of the Asian market drove the club's economic growth, but also generated criticism for prioritizing commercial over sporting aspects.

The search for the new football director: A change of course?

With Woodward's departure, Manchester United faces a crucial challenge: finding a new football director who can lead the club's sports management and return it to the path of success. The search will not be easy, as the club needs a professional with experience, vision, and the ability to make strategic decisions in the sports field.

Among the potential candidates, names like Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, and Michael Edwards are being mentioned. All of them have experience in elite football and could bring a new perspective to United's sports management.

The future of Manchester United: Continuity or new direction?

The arrival of the new football director will mark a turning point in the recent history of Manchester United. The club must decide whether to continue with the same line of sports management, prioritizing commercial over sporting aspects, or if it opts for a change of course, focusing on building a solid and sustainable sports project.

United fans hope that the new football director will have the ability to return the team to the forefront of world football. To do this, it will be essential to make the right decisions regarding signings, sports planning, and talent management.

Reactions to Woodward's departure: Relief for many

Ed Woodward's departure has generated diverse reactions in the world of football. Many Manchester United fans have expressed their relief at the departure of an executive they consider responsible for the club's sporting crisis.

On the other hand, some experts have highlighted Woodward's ability to generate revenue and turn United into a global brand. However, most agree that his sports management left much to be desired and that the club needs a change of course to once again be a protagonist in world football.

Ed Woodward's departure leaves a void at Manchester United, but it also opens a new stage full of possibilities. The choice of the new football director will be fundamental to determine the course of the club in the coming years. Fans hope that this transition marks the beginning of a new golden era for United, an era of sporting successes and a sustainable long-term project.

Ed Woodward's departure from Manchester United: What you should know

• End of an Era: Woodward's departure marks the end of an era at Manchester United, an era marked by economic successes but also by sporting failures.
• Search for Replacement: The club is in search of a new football director who can lead the sports management and return the team to the path of success.
• Future Challenges: The new sports director will have the challenge of building a solid and sustainable sports project, which will allow United to once again compete for the most important titles.
• Mixed Reactions: Woodward's departure has generated diverse reactions in the world of football, from the relief of fans to the recognition of his ability to generate revenue.
• Key Transition: The choice of the new football director will be crucial to determine the future of Manchester United in the coming years.