ManUtd

Former United chief Ed Woodward lined up for shock return to Premier League football – Sky Sports

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February 27, 2025

Former United chief Ed Woodward lined up for shock return to Premier League football – Sky Sports

Former Manchester United chief Ed Woordward has been “approached” over a potential return to football to serve as a director of Eagles Footballs Holdings – the vehicle which owns stakes in Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais, among other clubs.

Mark Kleinman (Sky Sports) reveals the 53-year-old executive is “being lined up as an independent director of Eagle Football Holdings as it prepares to list in the US.”

Sources close to Woodward said it was “not certain” he would be appointed but “confirmed that he had been approached about his first mainstream football directorship since ending his long stint at the former Premier League champions.”

A Reign of Incompetent Terror

Woodward spent 17 years at Old Trafford after playing a “key role” in the Glazer family’s hostile takeover in 2005, which saddled the Red Devils with inordinate levels of debt to complete the deal.

The American’s ownership, helped by Woodward’s efforts, has cost the club of “more than £1 billion” since this point.

The British banker effectively became the chief executive at Old Trafford in 2013 after long-term CEO David Gill’s retirement, which came at the same time as Sir Alex Ferguson leaving the club.

The decade which followed constitutes one of the worst periods in United’s history with exorbitant amounts of money wasted on recruitment and a carousel of managers, while the club’s infrastructure, including Old Trafford, fell into a state of disrepair.

Without question, Woodward was a front for the Glazers; a puppet who did his master’s bidding and was given the freedom of the world’s biggest club as a result, despite zero experience in professional football. He was a banker with a blank cheque book and no idea how to spend it effectively.

Which is why the idea of Woodward returning to football, in any capacity, should made United fans shudder, unless it was to become the chief executive at Liverpool.

Eagle Football Holdings

The Sky Sports report reveals, “Sky News has learnt that Mr Woodward, who left Old Trafford in 2022, a year after United’s involvement in the ill-fated European Super League project, is being lined up as an independent director of Eagle Football Holdings as it prepares to list in the US.”

“Eagle Football, which is controlled by the American businessman John Textor, is expected to file confidentially with US regulators for an initial public offering in the next fortnight.

“The vehicle owns a 45% stake in Crystal Palace, which it has been trying to sell for months but may now retain as a result of the club’s improved performance in English football’s top flight.”

Exclusive: Ed Woodward, the former Manchester United chief, is being lined up to join the board of Eagle Football Holdings – a shareholder in Crystal Palace, Brazilian champions Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais – as it prepares to go public in New York. https://t.co/MBqmSfiGCJ

— Mark Kleinman (@MarkKleinmanSky) February 27, 2025

Tweet: “Exclusive: Ed Woodward, the former Manchester United chief, is being lined up to join the board of Eagle Football Holdings – a shareholder in Crystal Palace, Brazilian champions Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais – as it prepares to go public in New York.”

It will be a dark day for any Palace, Botagofo, or Lyon supporter if a parasitic influence like Woodward gains a high-level position in their respective clubs. Just ask any Red Devil fan.

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Darragh Fox

Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.

Ex-United sporting director Dan Ashworth in line for shock March appointment at rival PL club – David Ornstein

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February 27, 2025

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Ex-United sporting director Dan Ashworth in line for shock March appointment at rival PL club – David Ornstein

Former Manchester United executive Dan Ashworth is one of the candidates under consideration to be appointed Arsenal’s sporting director in March, reports the reliable David Ornstein.

Ashworth left his position as United’s sporting director in December last year, after only five months in the job.

The Red Devils recruited him from Newcastle to much fanfare and financial expense but he was dismissed in the immediate aftermath of the side’s 3-2 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest – a result that left United in 13th place in the Premier League table.

A statement released by United indicated that they reached a “mutual agreement” with Ashworth to permanently part ways.

It was later revealed that the 53-year-old did not see eye-to-eye with other members of the hierarchy including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Some of the issues they disagreed about included the choice of potential managers to replace Erik ten Hag and which players to recruit in the summer transfer window.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Ashworth landed a new consultancy role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Now, David Ornstein of The Athletic reveals that Ashworth is part of a five-man shortlist to replace Edu Gaspar and become Arsenal’s next sporting director.

The position has been vacant since November when Gaspar resigned. His deputy, Jason Ayto, was promoted on an interim basis while the club went about the business of searching for a more permanent solution.

According to Ornstein, “Arsenal plan to appoint a new sporting director next month and are in the process of whittling down candidates before their final decision is reached.”

“Ayto remains an option for the full-time post and is joined by the likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro among those to have been discussed internally or held talks. The process was supported by a recruitment firm initially — helping form, assess and reduce a long list — prior to a smaller group of individuals advancing to interviews with the club hierarchy.”

“Arsenal’s ownership, KSE, is heavily involved in the matter and an ultimate call will not be made without its consultation, approval and sign-off.”

Ornstein notes that after his failed United spell, Ashworth will undoubtedly be eager to ensure the next club he joins is the right one for him.

Berta – who left Atletico Madrid – was previously mentioned as someone United could try to enlist as Ashworth’s successor and interestingly enough, he’s a contender for the same job at the Emirates.

It’s understood that Berta has been learning English in London in preparation for a stint in the Premier League.

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Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Picture: Garnacho sends out four-word message after Amorim’s brutal decision vs Ipswich

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February 27, 2025

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Picture: Garnacho sends out four-word message after Amorim’s brutal decision vs Ipswich

Alejandro Garnacho was not a happy man as he trudged down the touchline in the first half and straight down the tunnel after being substituted.

The Argentine was playing well, just like the rest of the team but the change was necessitated after Patrick Dorgu’s direct red card.

Ruben Amorim chose to bring off the 20-year-old with his reaction seen by the media as a form of contempt towards the head coach. The Portuguese was asked about the same and he had revealed he would talk with the winger in private.

“You’re making a connection with Rashford, right? I’m obviously going to talk with Garnacho about that and if you want we’ll talk about that in the next press conference,” was his response.

Garnacho social media post stirs controversy

In true Garnacho style, the Argentina international first uploaded a disappointed picture of himself instead of congratulating the team after a hard-fought win against Ipswich Town despite going a man down.

🚨📸 – Alejandro Garnacho via Instagram! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/iAcV6jojwq

— (fan) Frank 🧠🇵🇹 (@AmorimEra_) February 26, 2025

His social media activity has come under the scanner in the past with the player even forced to apologise to former manager Erik ten Hag for liking a post criticising the decision to sub him off in a game against Bournemouth.

He once again faced flak from supporters after his post and subsequently the versatile forward put up another in which he praised his teammates for coming up trumps.

“Important three points, team Manchester United,” his post read. At least he owned up this time around. How Amorim deals with this latest misdemeanour remains to be seen.

The head coach had come down hard on both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford before the Manchester derby and while the Mancunian downed tools, the United No 17 did the opposite.

He worked hard both with and without the ball and even deactivated his X account and eventually earned back Amorim’s trust who even fought for his stay in the winter even though INEOS were contemplating his sale.

Garnacho responds

His form has not been exemplary with the Carrington graduate missing the most big chances among his teammates. Fans still back him unequivocally and the player is no longer a kid.

Alejandro Garnacho on Instagram pic.twitter.com/SQXCXAUGxw

— utdreport (@utdreport) February 27, 2025

The Manchester Evening News even claimed that coaches feel he is a humble boy who is shy and quite reserved, the total opposite of his online image.

“Garnacho has been described as a quiet, almost shy, member of the dressing room. He is said to be polite and humble, which probably contradicts the image some fans have in their heads.”

He must be more mature when dealing with adversities and refrain from using social media to send out a statement. Given the tumultuous times the club is currently going through, Amorim could do with one less controversy every week.

Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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Ayantan Chowdhury

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Miyazawa wins 2025 SheBelieves Cup with Japan

ManUtd.com

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February 27, 2025

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Miyazawa wins 2025 SheBelieves Cup with Japan

Thursday 27 February 2025 13:03

Manchester United midfielder Hinata Miyazawa continued her strong start to 2025 by helping Japan to win this year’s edition of the SheBelieves Cup overnight.

Our no.20 was introduced as a half-time substitute as her nation upset the odds by beating tournament hosts and favourites USA 2-1 at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, to win the invitational round-robin competition for the first time in their history.

A second-minute opener from Yuka Momiki – who could face us with Leicester on Sunday – gave Japan the perfect start, and after Ally Sentnor quickly got the United States back on level terms, Feyenoord’s Toko Koga notched the decisive goal five minutes into the second half.

Hini played in all of Japan’s matches at the tournament, on the back of a standout spell of form for United.

Japan’s free-scoring form in wins over Australia (4-0) and Colombia (4-1) meant they went into the top-of-the-table clash level on points with ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes’s USA but only needing a draw to lift the silverware, due to their superior goal difference.

With the latter playing at home, unbeaten in 17 outings since Hayes’s summer arrival and having won seven of the previous nine iterations of the SheBelieves Cup, they were undoubtedly favourites, but it was Miyazawa and co celebrating success at full-time of the encounter played in front of 17,188 supporters in California.

It sees them join USA – plus the France side of 2017 and Phil Neville’s 2019 England team – on the list of champions since the tournament started nine years ago. Congratulations, Hini!

Miyazawa is not the only member of Marc Skinner’s squad returning to Manchester with a medal from international duty, either.

Simi Awujo and Jayde Riviere have been celebrating success at the Pinatar Cup with former United head coach Casey Stoney’s Canada, since Tuesday’s 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei.

That result was enough for our duo and their compatriots to win the annual invitational tournament in Spain, on the back of a draw with China and a 2-0 triumph against Mexico earlier in this international window. We love to see it!

Not a bad way to start 2025🏆❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/tM2u9ohtr9

— Jayde Riviere (@jayderiviere) February 26, 2025

WHO ELSE HAS PLAYED THIS WEEK?

On Wednesday evening, United midfielders Grace Clinton and Ella Toone started for England in their narrow 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley Stadium, in the UEFA Nations League.

Their club team-mates Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner were unused substitutes for the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final rematch, at which Reds forward Rachel Williams was also presented with a special legacy cap honouring her 15 senior appearances for the national team.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Celin Bizet set up Elisabeth Terland for Norway’s opening goal of a 2-1 triumph over Switzerland in the same competition, while Dominique Janssen played the entirety of the Netherlands’ come-from-behind victory away to Scotland, who had Emma Watson as an unused substitute.

Elsewhere, Nations League duty also called for the Republic of Ireland’s Aoife Mannion, who played the full 90 minutes as the Girls in Green were beaten 4-0 away to Slovenia.

Melvine Malard, meanwhile, was not called upon from the bench as France beat Iceland 3-2, with the services of young Reds Mared Griffiths, Scarlett Hill and Safia Middleton-Patel also not required for Wales in their 1-1 draw at home to Sweden.

Clinton celebrates with England’s goalscorer against Spain, Manchester City’s Jess Park.

Speaking of Sweden, Anna Sandberg featured for the country’s Under-23s for the second time this month on Monday, in a 4-1 win against Czech Republic.

At the same youth level, United goalkeeper Kayla Rendell kept a clean sheet as England scored the only goal against France in Stevenage on Tuesday, with Jess Simpson an unused sub for the Young Lionesses.

That was before England’s Under-19s beat the Netherlands on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s meeting at the Albir Garden Tournament in Spain, where young Reds defender Lucy Newell was involved in the former’s matchday squad but didn’t make it onto the pitch.

The report describes Hojlund as a “disappointment” with United head coach Ruben Amorim “not satisfied” with a number of his players, including the Danish striker. Longo contends the 22-year-old has “not convinced” Amorim with Old Trafford officials searching for a new striker in the summer to improve the team’s misfiring attack.

United are currently languished in 14th in the Premier League with a negative goal difference and twelve losses already this season. Only five sides have scored fewer times than the Reds, with Hojlund and fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee combining for just five league goals.

Osimhen, by contrast, has 14 goals in 19 games in the Super Lig for Galatasaray after joining the Turkish champions on loan in the summer. The Nigerian international will return to Naples at the end of the season, however, and the 26-year-old has a release clause worth in the region of £65 million which becomes active in the summer.

This has put a number of clubs across Europe on red-alert given the paucity of reliable goal-scorers on the market at present, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and, of course, United. But the precarious financial situation at Old Trafford will limit the Reds’ ability to spend heavily in the transfer market this summer.

Furthermore, there are a number of position in Amorim’s side which require upgrades for the 40-year-old coach to successfully implement his 3-4-2-1 system, including right wing-back, central midfield, and a centre-forward.

As such, it makes sense for United to target Osimhen while using Hojlund as a makeweight to drive down the price, enabling the club’s budget to stretch to these other areas of the pitch.

Napoli hold a long-standing interest in Hojlund after the Dane established himself at Serie A rival Atalanta and the 22-year-old retains many admirers in Italy, despite his dismal form in England this season.

Longo reveals United will look to utilise this interest in Naples with an exchange offer of €40 million plus Hojlund for Osimhen. This price – £33 million – would be around half that of the Nigerian’s reported release clause, constituting a significant saving for the Mancunian club.

Whether this offer will be accepted at the Diego Armanda Maradona Stadium remains to be seen, however.

A report relayed by The Peoples Person – revealing Napoli would only consider an approach for Hojlund at a “fraction” of the £72 million price United originally paid for the 22-year-old – would suggest not.

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