Ed Woodward mistakes are still hurting Manchester United in transfer market

Ed Woodward might have left Manchester United over a year ago but his catalogue of mistakes are still hurting the club today.

Woodward advised the Glazer family on their acquisition of United in 2005 and he took charge of full operations as the club's executive vice-chairman in 2013, a role which he spent nine years in before exiting last year.

United spent over £1billion in transfer fees during Woodward's time as executive vice-chairman and his tenure was a colossal failure. The club was subject to a steep decline on the pitch and only three trophies - FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League - were won.

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Transfer windows under his leadership were often farcical and millions were splurged in a scattergun strategy, although outgoings also became an issue during Woodward's time, with the club finding it difficult to offload deadwood.

United have sold just three players for more than £25m in the club's history - Angel Di Maria, Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo - and they made significant losses on multiple players particularly whilst Woodward was the kingmaker.

His biggest critics said he was in over his head as executive vice-chairman and his body of work suggested that was a fair assessment. Woodward's strategy was regularly baffling and that included tying down peripheral players on longer deals.

The Bristol University graduate developed a plan during his time at the club, which decided it was smart to give peripheral players, like Phil Jones and Eric Bailly, new contracts to increase their resale value down the line.

The plan did not work. Woodward's strategy only created a problem of players who aren't wanted to overstay their welcome at Old Trafford, the