Ed Woodward has resigned as Manchester United executive vice-chairman, according to reports.

The 49-year-old took the post at Old Trafford in 2013 and played a key role in the now-stuttering Super League.

It is understood he will continue in his role with United until the end of 2021.

The closure of the New York Stock Exchange is expected to bring confirmation of the executive vice-chairman’s departure within the hour.

Woodward’s exit is understood to be amicable with the owners and reportedly unrelated to the Super League.

Whatever the reasoning behind his exit, he becomes the first high-profile departure since the divisive breakaway league was launched less than 48 hours ago.

United were among six Premier League clubs to join the 12-strong European competition, with club co-chairman Joel Glazer hailing it as a ‘new chapter’ despite widespread condemnation.

Glazer was named as vice-chairman of the Super League, but Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin took aim at United’s chief executive Woodward.

‘I didn’t have much contact with him but he called me last Thursday evening, saying that he’s very satisfied with the reforms, that he fully supports the reforms, and that the only thing he would like to speak is about financial fair play,’ he said of talk about the new-look Champions League.

‘And obviously he already signed something else.’

Former United captain Gary Neville responded to the news of Woodward’s departure by posting a waving emoji.