MALCOLM Glazer's new 'chief of staff' will play no role in negotiating Manchester United's new shirt sponsorship deal.

The Glazer camp have confirmed 34-year-old former merchant banker Ed Woodward has been appointed to look after the family's business interests in the UK.

Through his previous company JP Morgan, Woodward played an extensive role in Glazers controversial £790million takeover of the Red Devils last summer and after initially being approached last May, finally took up his post in November.

However, while Woodward will liaise extensively with the Glazer family and United chief executive David Gill, he will not be involved in negotiating staff contracts or discussions over a new sponsor to replace Vodafone, whose £9million-a-year deal is being terminated early at the end of the season.

"Bryan Glazer and Manchester United's commercial director Andy Anson are handling the sponsorship situation and that is not going to change," said a source close to the Glazer camp, who added the club were still confident of securing a replacement deal by the end of the season.