Manchester United are poised to confirm Michael Carrick as their interim manager, with Jonathan Woodgate set to join his coaching staff.
The appointment brings renewed attention to Woodgate's troubled past in the game.
The former defender, who represented both Middlesbrough and Tottenham during his playing days, carries a criminal conviction for affray dating back to his time at Leeds United.
The charge stemmed from a violent incident in 2001 that left a young British Asian man with severe injuries outside a nightclub.
Jonathan Woodgate looks set to reunite with Michael Carrick at United
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Woodgate's conviction remains one of the most notorious episodes in Premier League history.
The assault occurred on the night of 11th January 2000 in Leeds city centre.
Woodgate, alongside teammate Lee Bowyer and a group of friends, had been drinking and socialising in the area.
A violent altercation broke out in the early hours outside a nightclub.
Sarfraz Najeib, a 21-year-old student, was set upon and left with devastating injuries.
The young man suffered a broken nose, fractured cheekbone, and multiple leg fractures in the attack.
News of the incident sent shockwaves through the city and rapidly dominated national headlines.
Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were charged with grievous bodily harm and affray in 2001
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Reports that two of Leeds United's first-team players were under police investigation proved deeply damaging for the club.
Both Woodgate and Bowyer were subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm and affray.
The legal process proved protracted, spanning nearly two years.
An initial trial collapsed amid concerns over media coverage and potential jury prejudice, reflecting the intense public interest in the case.
A retrial followed in 2001, with both players facing the same serious charges once more.
Following extensive testimony, examination of CCTV evidence, and witness accounts, the jury delivered its verdicts.
Bowyer was cleared of all charges against him.
Woodgate, however, was found guilty of affray and received a community service sentence, narrowly avoiding imprisonment.
Two associates of the players were also convicted.
Sarfraz Najeib (right) suffered a broken nose, fractured cheekbone, and multiple leg fractures in the attack
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Despite the conviction casting a lengthy shadow over his career, Woodgate managed to rebuild his professional standing.
He went on to represent Newcastle United before securing a move to Real Madrid, later joining Tottenham Hotspur.
The defender eventually returned to Leeds for a brief spell before transitioning into coaching.
For Leeds United, the affair left lasting damage.
Jonathan Woodgate escaped prison after being convicted for affray
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The case marked the start of a turbulent decline for the Yorkshire club, with financial difficulties, managerial upheaval, and eventual relegation following their Champions League exploits.
Many observers regard the Bowyer-Woodgate scandal as the moment Leeds United's golden era began its painful unravelling.