Ed Woodward was ‘extremely courteous’ towards Brighton hierarchy following Manchester United’s defeat at the Amex

Ed Woodward was “extremely courteous” towards the Brighton & Hove Albion hierarchy following Manchester United’s defeat at the Amex on Sunday, according to senior sources at the south coast club.

Television pictures showed United’s executive vice-chairman sitting in the directors’ box looking stony faced following the 3-2 defeat, in the wake of a summer of strained relations with his manager Jose Mourinho over transfer policy, and he was then seen walking into the United dressing room alone following the match.

Gary Neville subsequently criticised Woodward on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show, saying: “He sat in his spot for two minutes after the game in what I can only describe as something that I didn’t want to see the CEO [sic] of Manchester United do. At the end of the game, stand up, shake the opposition CEO’s hand, smile, be bigger than anything and [walk away].”

But The Independent understands that, contrary to Neville’s remarks, Woodward quickly congratulated Brighton’s owner Tony Bloom and that both he and his fellow directors and guests were “extremely courteous, sporting and complimentary” about Brighton’s hospitality and the team’s performance on the pitch.

United are also understood to be surprised by Neville’s critique which has added fuel to the fire surrounding their turbulent start to the season. The club were forced to come out this week and deny rumours that the board are considering candidates such as Zinedine Zidane to replace Mourinho as pressure continues to grow on the manager.

There is also increasing scrutiny on the role of Woodward and a board who decided not to continue their expensive backing of Mourinho in the transfer market this summer. The manager wanted a new world-class centre-back at the heart of his defence but didn’t get his wish and instead watched two of his previous signings – Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof – make critical mistakes in the defeat to Brighton.

Woodward’s appointment of Mourinho’s predecessor Louis van Gaal was deemed a failure after the Dutchman instilled an uninspiring style of football and failed to challenge for the title, and after backing Mourinho in his first two seasons with transfer spending of more than £300m, plus the lavish wages of free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Portuguese led the club to a second-place finish in the 2017/18 campaign.

But United still finished 19 points behind the champions Manchester City and more investment was expected this summer to bridge the gap. Instead the club’s leadership appear to have changed tack, tightening the purse strings and only make one major signing, the Brazilian midfielder Fred for £52m, leaving Mourinho unsatisfied with the strength of his squad.

United now face a major test on Monday night when Tottenham visit Old Trafford, with the possibility of starting the game already six points behind the Premier League leaders, City.