Stephen Howson Apologises After Claiming Ed Woodward Was Worse For Man United Than The Munich Air Disaster

Howson, who co-hosts the Vibe with Five podcast with United legend Rio Ferdinand, angered supporters by claiming Woodward's spell as executive vice-chairman of the club was more damaging than the 1958 Munich disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people – including 11 United players and staff.

"Obviously I'm not comparing people passing away, but I'm saying 10 years post-Munich we was European champions. Ten years of Woodward, we're in the s***."

He then added: "I’m absolutely not taking anything away from the people who have lost their lives in Munich, but in terms of something that's f***ing happened, Woodward has been f***ing worse for the football club and where we've progressed in that time."

Fans on social media immediately reacted with disgust at Howson's comments.

"There is no possible context where these words are acceptable," wrote one Twitter user.

Another added: "Losing a few league titles and trophies is nowhere near comparable to people DYING."

Howson replied: "I can apologise on the delivery, for sure - but this wasn't a scripted point - never is. It's a podcast. It was 40 odd mins in to a chat.

"I clarified at the time what I meant. Most people have understood. But Twitter will look for outrage like it always does."

In a later tweet, he added: "I definitely should have worded this better & apologise for any offence I've caused. Please watch the full context below, I hope people can see what I was trying to say.

"I'm a fan who loves our football club, not a trained presenter so I may f*** up sometimes.

"I've done some docs on Munich in past - I know the importance of this to our football club."