THE European Super League looks set to collapse less than 48 hours after it was proposed, as an overwhelming backlash from supporters forced Manchester City to withdraw from the competition.

Chelsea are preparing to follow suit, and pressure was growing on Liverpool to also withdraw as their players released a joint statement outlining their disdain for the tournament.

On a frenzied evening, Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward – who was involved in the discussions to set up the ESL – announced he would be stepping down from his role at the end of the year.

The brief statement from Manchester city read: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League."