For the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United have a genuine shot at winning the title this season.
The Red Devils have failed to win the league over the past seven seasons, while they have added the Europa League, the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Manchester United’s poor performance, both on the pitch and in the transfer market, was largely blamed on Ed Woodward.
The club’s executive vice-chairman has been at the receiving end from a large section of United fans for the club’s poor recruitment and heavy investment since he took charge in 2013.
Michael Verschueren was in a similar situation as Woodward last season, after he invested on signing several players for Anderlecht in the summer of 2019.
Verschueren was the Belgian club’s sporting director from November 2018 to March 2020, and his transfer business was subjected to a lot of criticism from the Anderlecht faithful.
During an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, Verschueren used the treatment received by Woodward as an example to send a message to Anderlecht fans.
“Two years ago, I was accompanied by Ed Woodward, the CEO of Manchester United, who was going through a sporting slump at the time,” Verschueren told HLN.
“He showed me tweets from supporters: ‘Look Michael, how cruel the fans can be’ – the tears were in his eyes. Today Manchester United are the leader [second] in the Premier League.”
“I messaged Woodward a few days ago to congratulate him. He texted me back saying, ‘You know how tough the journey was’. Well, that’s my message to our supporters: the journey will not be easy in the coming years, but Anderlecht will be back.
“However, continuing to deposit blind money into the account is not the solution. We will continue to talk constructively.”
