Man Utd chief Ed Woodward misses first pre-season in six years as he frantically works on two more transfers

ED WOODWARD HAS missed Manchester United’s pre-season tour as he prioritises getting more transfers over the line.

It is the first time he has not been present on one since taking the reins of the club in 2013 from David Gill.

The executive vice-chairman has already signed winger Daniel James for £15million from Swansea and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka for £50m from Crystal Palace.

But the club want to get at least two more signings over the line before the transfer window closes on August 8.

Woodward continues to work on landing Harry Maguire from Leicester, who have turned down two bids from United.

Leicester are not budging from a valuation of £90m but United’s highest offer has been £70m.

United are sick of being held to ransom by clubs who they feel put an extra £10m-20m on a player’s valuation when they come calling.

Still they refuse to give up on Maguire who wants the move away from Leicester.

Manchester City were also in for him but said their top valuation was £60m and it remains to be seen if they go higher.

Bruno Fernandes is another player the Red Devils will have to pay the big bucks for, with Sporting wanting around £70m for the midfielder.

Meanwhile United are continuing their search for a technical director.

They announced the promotion of academy chief Nicky Butt to head of first-team development yesterday.

That is essentially to identify the youth players ready for the first team and help with their transition.

Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar and Darren Fletcher have all been linked with the technical director’s role.