United have received criticism for the perceived commercialisation of the club under the Glazer family’s ownership. But Woodward said it was the club’s huge sponsorship revenues that were now helping to provide a level of financial insulation during the pandemic that many rivals do not share. United’s commercial income of £275m for 2018/19 accounted for almost 44 per cent of turnover.

United have not furloughed any of their 940 employees and have also made goodwill payments to over 3,000 casual workers. They are also expected to absorb matchday income losses in excess of £20m if games have to be played behind-closed-doors this season, rather than ask players to accept wage deferrals.

“It is also important to acknowledge the part played by our successful business in allowing us to fulfil our social responsibilities,” Woodward said. “We have always believed that our commercial model gives us greater resilience than most clubs and we are grateful for the enduring support of our commercial partners in helping us achieve that.”

Despite the uncertainty presented by the Covid-19 crisis, United are also pressing ahead with plans to introduce safe standing at Old Trafford next season. The club have been given the go-ahead to install rail seating up to a maximum of 1,500 seats in the north east quadrant of the stadium although it is understood there are still issues to resolve around the management of such a trial.

Woodward said: “We are pushing ahead with a series of initiatives to enhance the matchday experience at Old Trafford, including the expansion of the dedicated atmosphere section of the Stretford End, the planned trial of rail seating, and the completion of our expanded state-of-the-art facilities for disabled supporters.”

Uefa opened the door this week to the Premier League being decided on a points-per-game basis if the season cannot be finished. Liverpool, Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester City would be the top four in such a scenario but Manchester United would qualify for the Champions League since City are, as things stand, banned from European competition next season due to breaches of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play rules.

However, Woodward said United - who could also qualify for the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League and are due to face Norwich City in the FA Cup quarter-finals - are desperate to be able to finish the campaign.

“Like all of you, we are eager to see the team return to the field as soon as we are advised it is safe to do so, hopefully to complete a season which still held so much promise for us in the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup when it was suspended,” Woodward said.