Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will step down from his role at the end of 2021.

The announcement came before Manchester United, along with the other five Premier League sides involved in the proposed European Super League (ESL), withdrew from the competition.

The planned breakaway league has received widespread condemnation.

49-year-old Woodward, joined United in 2005 and has been in his current role since 2012.

He was set to leave at the end of the year but the decision to announce his departure has been brought forward.

"I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world's greatest football club for the past 16 years," said Woodward.

"The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year."

After plans for the ESL were announced on Sunday, Woodward stepped down from his role on UEFA's Professional Football Strategy Council.

The move will sever long-standing ties between Woodward and the Glazer family.

Woodward played a major role in getting their controversial takeover completed in 2005.

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