David Ornstein claims Ed Woodward will leave Manchester United in the summer

Speaking on Sky Sports, The Athletic’s David Ornstein (h/t The Express) has claimed that Ed Woodward will not wait until the end of the year to make his Manchester United exit.

The executive vice-chairman handed in his resignation immediately after the European Super League proposal went up in smoke. While he was expected to hold onto the role until the end of the year, Ornstein believes otherwise.

He goes on to add that Woodward’s departure would come as a boon for United, who will find negotiations easier without him at the helm.

“I don’t think it’s going to affect the plan, Manchester United will have had their plans for the summer.”

The 49-year-old’s reign at the club has not been without controversy. A major sticking point to fans is the lack of initiative or poor decision making shown with regards to recruitment and transfers.

His exit is unlikely to impact United’s plans much. The Red Devils face a key summer transfer window and will need to get their business right ahead of the next campaign.

“I don’t think Ed Woodward leaving will affect them majorly – I think some people might point out how difficult negotiations have been with Manchester United and Ed Woodward, and so maybe it will be improved for United this summer.”

Ushering in a new era?

“Of course Matt Judge is the man who leads the negotiations on behalf of the club.”

Ornstein believes United will make at least three signings this summer. The trio of Football Director John Murtough, Technical Director Darren Fletcher and Chief Negotiator Matt Judge will be tasked with bringing in the players needed.

Judge looks set to handle negotiations as the club look to usher in a new era with those now at the helm. Hopefully, we have learned from the past and will be more proactive when it comes to future transfer dealings.

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Ornstein goes on to reveal that United’s transfer budget is unlikely to be altered following Woodward’s exit. As expected, a striker and a centre-back remain high on the club’s wishlist for the summer.

A backup right-back is also on the agenda. Any further moves would depend on who goes out of the club. Perhaps interestingly, there is no mention of bringing in a new right-winger.

Whether this is just an oversight on Ornstein’s part if the club have amended their plans is unknown.