Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward released the club’s latest financial figures and revealed record revenues on Tuesday.

The under-fire chief, who watched his club’s disappointing start to the season continue in the 2-0 loss to West Ham on Sunday, announced annual revenues had reached £627.1million.

What followed from Woodward was a statement where he reiterated: "Everyone at Manchester United is committed to delivering on our primary objective of winning trophies.”

However, that is something which is currently a major bone of contention among supporters, who believe Woodward and the club’s owners, the Glazer family, are only interested in profits and not what goes on on the field.

Woodward’s recruitment policy and the continued lack of a sporting director at United has been heavily criticised, particularly with United already 10 points behind rivals Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Ed Woodward with Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer (
Image:
EMPICS Sport)

On Monday, ex-United star Paul Ince became the latest former player to fire at Woodward.

Ince accused him of not providing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with enough investment for the playing squad and labelling him “a money man”.

However, what happened in the investors’ call on Tuesday afternoon offered the greater insight into Woodward’s position, and the actual level of interest from those reaping dividends from the club - whom he is ultimately answerable to - in what actually occurs on the pitch.

Pressure continues on Solskjaer (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Investors had the chance to ask Woodward for his thoughts on the club’s development, and what was going on on the field. Indeed, perhaps scenting that would be coming, Woodward called for patience and for Solskjaer to be backed.

After managing director Richard Arnold discussed the club’s App and mentioned ‘China-specific content’ - in addition to social media growth - and chief financial officer Cliff Baty talked about the cost of Europa League football (which will see broadcasting revenues reduced over the next FISCAL year), the time came for Woodward to deal with investor questions.

Given the cost of finishing outside the top four had just been mentioned, you would be forgiven for thinking that investors would be about to ask what Woodward was doing to arrest the continued slide of the 20-time English champions.

Instead, just two questions were forthcoming.

Not the grilling fans would have hoped for (
Image:
REUTERS)

Firstly, an investor asked Woodward to explain what a loan player was.

"You mentioned player loans, I sometimes find that a little confusing. I get the transfer market but can you explain why loans have taken off and what they actually mean?”

Woodward subsequently explained how the loan system works, but the investor was still not certain and followed up with: "Let me ask directly, is a loan a way to work around paying agent fees?”

Woodward responded by declaring that “loans have been happening for many years in the industry and it is where we retain the player and they move for a period of time. They could theoretically come back in January, but you have a payment you received for wages, or could receive more than the wages, described as loan-fee.

“It’s an opportunity if you have too many players in one position, then you make look to loan them.”

Simple enough Ed (
Image:
Getty)

Seemingly that was enough for all investors where Woodward was concerned.

Only one more question followed, regarding China, and that was instead aimed at Arnold.

Any fans hoping for Woodward to be grilled from those above will have been left bitterly disappointed.

Unfortunately it seems that Manchester United Football Club no longer matters, where Manchester United PLC is concerned.