Ed Woodward set for massive payday if Manchester United is sold by the Glazers

Ed Woodward is set for a massive payday if Manchester United is sold by the Glazers, according to a fresh report.

In November, United’s controversial owners announced they were exploring strategic alternatives for the club, which could result in a full sale of the club.

On Friday, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of one of Qatar banks QIB, made a "substantial" bid for United.

Indeed, Sheikh Jassim’s proposal would allegedly carry no debt, while all profits under his ownership would be reinvested into the community through the newly-formed Nine Two Foundation.

Meanwhile, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns the petrochemical company Ineos, also submitted a rival bid for the club. The proposal emphasises that the Manchester-born Ratcliffe would be "a British custodian for the club" who would aim to "put the Manchester back into Manchester United".

Indeed, bids for the Premier League giants are believed to be in the region of £4.5billion - a world record fee for a sports team. Should the Glazers sanction a sale, former executive Woodward is set for a massive payday.

Ed Woodward set to profit from Man Utd sale

The Daily Mail claim that former United vice-chairman Woodward stands to make around £1.5million from the club's sale.

Woodward, who was a divisive figure in his nine years running business operations at United, left the club in 2021 following the European Super League debacle.

However, he reportedly retained a minor shareholding in the club, which will provide him with a seven-figure windfall should a sale be sanctioned.

Woodward is allegedly the only individual outside of the Glazer family to own a ‘B’ share in the club.

A ‘B’ share, which makes up 67 per cent of United’s total shareholding, grants an owner 10 votes. Woodward owns 0.05 of a B share, which could be worth £1.5million if the club is sold for the £4.5billion price reported.

Meanwhile, the publication claims Nick Train, a prominent financier who has stakes in Juventus and Celtic, could make a £312million windfall should the club be sold.

Topics: Football, Ed Woodward, Manchester United, Qatar, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.