Comments about Chris Wilder's departure could prompt a response from manager's group

Although the organisation has not addressed the situation publicly, some officials at its headquarters in Staffordshire are thought to be concerned by the United owner’s decision to divulge minute details - or the details as he sees them - of the events leading up to their client’s departure after nearly five seasons at the helm.

Speaking to one of the Premier League’s media rights holders, Prince Abdullah made claims about the severance package Wilder’s agent was negotiating after it was decided their relationship had become untenable following a series of disagreements about recruitment strategy, expenditure and infrastructure behind the scenes. Many of the assertions made by Prince Abdullah are known to be disputed and contested by Wilder’s closest confidants, with the 53-year-old believed to have signed a non-disclosure agreement before his exit was announced.

Founded in 1992, the LMA includes protecting “the rights and privileges” of its members and encouraging “honourable practice, conduct and courtesy in all professional activity” among its six core principles. Sir Alex Ferguson, winner of nearly 50 major trophies during a coaching career spanning four decades, is one of the organisation’s strongest advocates.

Wilder, who led United from the third to the first tier of the English game after being appointed in May 2016, acknowledged there was tension behind the scenes before leaving the club he had both played for and supported since childhood.

Prince Abdullah, who gained sole control of United following a bitter High Court battle with former co-owner Kevin McCabe, acknowledged he had been frustrated by aspects of Wilder’s managerial style towards the end of his reign, with the board of directors also expressing displeasure at some of his comments in the press.

Wilder was named LMA Manager of the Year after steering United to promotion from the Championship in 2019. Although they finished ninth in the table 12 months later, United are now facing relegation after finding themselves 14 points adrift of safety ahead of Saturday’s visit to Leeds.

An important message: Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated.