Ed Woodward has launched a robust defence of his running of Manchester United and insisted it is “insulting” to suggest the club’s commercial arm takes priority over the football operation.

The United executive vice-chairman also moved to quash doubts about the immediate future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by offering his staunchest backing yet for the manager ahead of Sunday’s visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool to Old Trafford and claimed the club were at the “start of a new journey”.

Despite spending more than £850 million in the six years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and having the largest annual wage bill in the Premier League at £332 million, United could find themselves in the relegation zone by Monday night should they lose to Liverpool and other results go against them.

Woodward has overseen the running of the club during that period and is coming in for mounting criticism from supporters who are angered and frustrated by the Glazers’ ownership.

But while Woodward is thought to recognise that mistakes have been made, particularly around the recruitment of players, he has rebuffed claims that the club’s priority has been commercial expansion over football and shot down any suggestion that he and the club’s money men decide transfer policy.