Former Manchester United chief Ed Woodward takes first job since leaving the club last year
Former Manchester United chief Ed Woodward takes first job since leaving the club last year…with the 51-year-old partnering Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul at esports company
- Woodward was executive vice-chairman at Man United for 11 years
- He resigned in the wake of the European Super League debacle
- The 51-year-old has joined the board of educational esports company EStars
Former Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has taken his first job since leaving the club 15 months ago.
The 51-year-old spent 16 years at Old Trafford and was executive vice-chairman for 11 years.
He resigned from his post in February last year following pundit and fan criticism over the European Super League debacle.
Woodward has now joined the board of educational esports company EStars as a non-executive director.
EStars is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but also focuses on the UK market.
Former Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has taken his first job since leaving the club
The company hosts esports events in the UK and Ireland, and provides BTECs in esports, as well as a host of other activations and projects aimed at students.
Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul has been a shareholder in the company since its inception in 2017.
Woodward explained his decision to accept the new role.
He said: “When you bring together esports, education and a dynamic region like the Middle East, where curriculum decisions can be made faster than Europe, it is a recipe for success.
“Joining the team is an easy decision when you add Mags’ exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial energy [founder Mags Byrne]. I’m excited about the fact that EStars provides a learning path for the next generation in the (relatively) new industry of esports.
Woodward will earn around £1.5 million if the Glazers agree a takeover of the club after bids from Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Norwich and former Holland goalkeeper Tim Krul (above) is a shareholder of EStars
After nine years of running their business, Woodward was considered a divisive figure among fans.
However, he retained a small stake in the club which will bring him a seven-figure windfall once the sale is completed.
Woodward, who has been the subject of violent fan protests over transfer deals and United’s lack of success, among other things, is the only person outside the Glazer family to own a ‘B’ share in the club.
Each ‘B’ share gives the owner 10 votes. They make up 67 percent of the club’s total shareholding. Woodward owns 0.05 of one B share, which could be worth £1.5m if the club is sold for £4.5bn.
