Ed Woodward ‘played a key role’ in Man Utd landing Ronaldo, Varane and Sancho

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Manchester United CEO Ed Woodward 'played a key role' in the club landing their transfer targets this summer.

The Red Devils enjoyed an incredible summer of business, which started with the £72m purchase of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

With the Englishman bringing 50 senior goals in three seasons on the right wing, they solidified the defence with a £42m deal for Real Madrid's four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane.

And the cherry was placed on top with the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, signing a two-year deal at £480,000-a-week as Juventus were paid £12.85m plus add-ons.

But Manchester Evening News have reported that a figure unpopular among the fans was a driving force behind the business.

Woodward became public enemy No.1 at Old Trafford for his part in the failed European Super League, seeing the CEO hand in his resignation as executive vice-chairman for the end of the year in April.

But he was part of an 'ongoing strengthening' of United's recruitment department this summer.

John Murtough arrived in March to become the new Football Director, with former midfielder Darren Fletcher becoming Technical Director.

What did you think to Manchester United's transfer window? Let us know in the comments section.

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And their arrivals saw scouting and analysis reports this summer become 'enhanced', giving the Red Devils more information about targets.

While Matt Judge, Director of Football Negotiations, 'excelled' in his first summer in the role.

But sources also told MEN that Woodward had 'played a key role' in getting deals for Sancho, Varane and Ronaldo all over the line before Transfer Deadline Day.

The CEO has been at the club for nine years, joining as executive vice-chairman before taking over David Gill's role in 2013.

That position, though, saw fans regularly criticise him after missing out on several targets over the years.

Woodward's house was even targeted by thugs in January 2020 as they spray-painted and vandalised the property.

But his involvement in the European Super League was the last straw, with fans breaking onto the Old Trafford pitch in April ahead of a clash with Liverpool to protest against him.

  • Manchester United FC
  • Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Jadon Sancho

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