Ed Woodward missed Manchester United's defeat at Champions League opponents Valencia on club business.

The Manchester Evening News says executive vice-chairman Woodward landed in the States on Wednesday for what was described as a 'routine' trip to finalise recruitment unrelated to on-pitch matters.

Woodward decided to skip United's tie in Valencia since the club had already qualified for the Champions League round-of-16 and the assumption was United would finish runners-up in Group H to Juventus.

However, Juve suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Young Boys that gifted United the opportunity to win the group, only they lost by the same scoreline at the Mestalla.

Woodward was present for United's win at Juve in Turin last month.