European Super League plans “were not discussed” when Manchester United’s Ed Woodward attended a meeting at No 10, according to Downing Street.

United’s executive vice-chairman met Dan Rosenfield, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chief of staff, on 14 April.

After four days it was announced that six Premier League teams had signed up for the ESL.

All six Premier league sides – Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool Arsenal and Tottenham – withdrew from the plans on Tuesday, 20 April, after widespread Judgement and protests. The prime minister was among those who criticized the plans.

The prime minister’s official spokesman told news reporters on Monday that, while chief of staff Rosenfield and Woodward did meet at Downing Street, the European competition proposal was “not discussed”.

Pressed on whether Rosenfield told Woodward the government would not oppose the new venture, the spokesman said: “No, that’s not correct.

Asked about Johnson’s conversation with Woodward, who will be out of Man United at the end of this season, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “There was a very brief introduction to Ed Woodward. I think they crossed paths.

“But the European Super League was not discussed.”

“The meeting was to discuss the safe return of fans and Covid-19 certification as part of the events pilot work.”

Speaking in the House of Commons, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said that he understood that the conversation at Downing Street “related to the broader opening up of sporting events and what the necessary social distancing and other measures might be in order for us to go back to enjoying football measures”.

The shadow culture secretary said: “The public has a right to know what exactly was promised to Manchester United by both officials and the prime minister.

“If Boris Johnson gave the European Super League his backing and then publicly turned on the plan, then the British people deserve a full, clear and immediate explanation and apology.”

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