It is not an exact science, admittedly, but if you wanted to find out what the average Manchester United supporter thinks of Ed Woodward the best place to start perhaps is with one of the publications that goes on sale on Sir Matt Busby Way before every match.



Red News, United’s oldest fanzine, depicts the club’s executive vice-chairman these days with a Pinocchio nose and analyses his work with a level of opprobrium that strongly suggests he, more than anyone, is held responsible for the club’s years of drift.



One cartoon recently showed him in conversation with Joel Glazer from the family of Americans who own the club. The speech bubble had Glazer asking if Woodward had been misleading the fans. “Of course I have,” came the reply. “My lips were moving.”



Another lengthy tribute dedicated to the man in charge of United’s transfer business — though not even using his first name — began with the line:...