Manchester United chief Ed Woodward 'forcefully spoke AGAINST charging fans £14.95 for TV matches

Premier League fans had an unlikely representative in discussions over the top-flight's derided pay-per-view plans, with Ed Woodward fighting their corner.

Supporters have slammed the English top-flight's plot to charge £14.95 for extra matches not picked for Sky Sports and BT Sport coverage.

Gary Neville has led the criticism, calling the scheme a 'very bad move' and pointing out that, since the restart, many such games since have been available for free.

At the Premier League's meeting to discuss the controversial plans, Manchester United chief Woodward was 'the most forceful opponent' to the idea, according to the Athletic.

Woodward was reportedly concerned over fairness, with football fans around the country fearing for their jobs amid the pandemic.

He wanted season-ticket holders to be granted free access to the service but couldn't force a re-think.

The matches will be aired on BT and Sky's Box Office channels and are largely 3pm kick-offs.

The first fixtures shown on the service will be on the weekend of October 17/18/19 - Chelsea vs Southampton, Newcastle United vs Manchester United, Sheffield United vs Fulham, Leicester City vs Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion vs Burnley.

The move comes after the top-flight became sick of giving away their matches for free since football restarted back in May.

With fans still waiting to return to match-days and a return to normal still looking distance, the league have lost patience.

Most profits from each £14.95 paid will go to Premier League clubs, aiming to clear-up the financial wreckage left by the absence of match-day revenue.