While much of the focus has been on a possible managerial change at Old Trafford, it is inevitable some of their players will leave the club at the end of the season, too.
Although Van Gaal is not blessed with a deep squad, either he or his replacement will want to bring in new faces this summer, so some of the current crop will have to move on.
Marouane Fellaini, for example, continues to be linked with a move away from the club despite returning to the starting XI for the last seven games, and others could depart.
Woodward is not fazed by the prospect of losing his top stars to the Chinese Super League, where Alex Teixeira, Ramires and Jackson Martinez have moved recently.
But China could be used as a tool to get rid of any deadwood that needs to be discarded.
"I do think there will be more activity coming in the summer, but it is very difficult to predict what kind of impact that will have," United's executive vice-chairman said in a conference call with investors on Thursday.
"If nothing else, it's another useful market if we are looking to sell players."
Source: PA