Woodward has been in consultation with co-chairmen Joel and Avi Glazer, and his close ally Richard Arnold, United’s group managing director, as the manager’s future has come under increasing scrutiny.
However, those discussions are unlikely to extend to the other eight members of the board, comprising the rest of the Glazer family and senior executives, or a separate football body which includes Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and David Gill.
Van Gaal has survived a number of crises already this season but questions are now being raised over the players’ commitment to him, with a core group believed to view the 64-year-old Dutchman as little more than a lame duck manager who will not stay beyond the summer.
Ryan Giggs would be an obvious choice to step in if Van Gaal is axed before the end of the season, although the former United star is understood to be unsure about a second stint as caretaker if there is no prospect of landing the job permanently.
Jose Mourinho remains favourite for that role and an interview he gave in Italy on Friday, suggesting that he has other options on the table, was interpreted as a warning from the former Chelsea boss that he is growing impatient.