Former kit man who transformed United

Kenyon quickly repaired those bridges, backing Ferguson in his stunning U-turn out of proposed retirement and supporting him on controversial transfers involving Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand, Juan Sebastian Veron, Jaap Stam and Beckham.

For Ferguson, notoriously suspicious of the "money men" of the plc who could overrule his wishes, Kenyon was the perfect buffer. Tellingly, it was Kenyon, not Ferguson, who told Beckham this summer that his services were no longer required.

For Kenyon, a loyal United fan, there was a supporter's adulation for the most successful manager in history. The 49-year-old Mancunian's relationship with United began in 1968 when he won a raffle at a youth club for a ticket to his first game, the European Cup final victory over Benfica.

After working in accounting and management for textile firms like Burton and Courtaulds, Kenyon joined Umbro - Chelsea's current kit supplier - in 1986.

By 1994, Kenyon was its chief operating officer and he moved to the newly-formed United plc board, as deputy chief executive, in May 1997. In his first year as chief executive, turnover rose 12 per cent to £129.6million, operating profit rose by £1.6m to £31.7m and pre-tax profit increased by £5m to £21.8m.

Kenyon also negotiated major commercial deals, such as the £30m shirt sponsorship contract with Vodafone and a 13-year deal that saw Nike take over the club's entire merchandising operation for a record £303m. The liaison with Nike was also part of Kenyon's vision of United becoming the planet's biggest sporting brand, a move that saw them undertake a successful tour of the USA this summer, following similar ventures in the Far East.

There have also been Kenyon-inspired tie-ins with potential "farm" clubs and marketing partnerships with, among others, the New York Yankees baseball team.

The unmistakable finger prints of Kenyon - who earned £625,000 at Old Trafford - are to be seen in every aspect of United today.

However, there have been recent rumblings that perhaps Kenyon's vision about United's future did not marry with those of other board members. Sources talked of major fall-outs behind the scenes. He was also criticised for transfer dealings last summer - selling Beckham too cheaply at £25m to Real Madrid and paying too much by forking out £12.2m for Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon. United also missed out on transfer targets Ronaldinho and Harry Kewell.

Ironically, only a matter of weeks ago Kenyon was asked whether the surreal events unfolding at Stamford Bridge this summer had affected United.

He said: "I am quite sure Chelsea will become a bigger force but it is our intention to keep Manchester United at the top. Why should we be worried?" With the events of the last 24 hours, there may now finally be some genuine concern about Chelsea at Old Trafford.