Ed Woodward has claimed he was asking a Manchester United club official a question when TV cameras appeared to catch him ‘telling off’ Phil Jones during last month’s defeat to West Ham .
The executive vice-chairman was caught uttering something in the direction of Red Devils’ defender Jones in the stands during Sky Sports’ broadcast of the 2-0 loss at the London Stadium on September 22.
The interaction came after the centre-back – who was sitting behind Woodward during the match – was shown seemingly muttering something under his breath.
It was suggested that the exchange was in response to Jones’ comment and prompted speculation that the United chief – who had a irritated expression on his face – was giving the 27-year-old a ticking off , perhaps conscious they were on camera.
(Image: BBC)
However, Woodward has denied those claims and insisted that he was talking to United’s club secretary Rebecca Britain – sitting next to Jones – about an incident in the game.
“Phil was talking about whether decisions were offside or not,” he explained in an interview with club fanzine United We Stand (via utdreport)
“There was a foul and I turned around to Rebecca Britain, our club secretary [and said] ‘Was that a yellow card on him? Diop?'”
United have not managed to mount a serious bid for the title since Woodward took over as chief executive in 2013 and are currently 14th in the Premier League after nine matches.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
And although he has proven to be a divisive figure among many United fans, he insisted he is the right man for the job at Old Trafford.
Speaking the same interview ahead of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with leaders Liverpool , Woodward added: “I understand the scrutiny; it’s part of the job.
“We have to do everything that we possibly can to get back to winning the Premier League.
“We are not successful until we do. Second is not success, we have to win the Premier League.”
