Richard Arnold is set to leave his role as Manchester United chief executive – and a temporary replacement has already been found.
Patrick Stewart will take on the role on an interim basis less than two years after Arnold was picked to replace Ed Woodward back in February of 2022. The change is set to happen at the end of the year, after Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge.
Ratcliffe is set to take up a 25% stake in the club with an investment in the region of £1.3billion, which will also see him take sporting control with the Glazer family still the majority owners.
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Outgoing CEO Arnold told United's official website: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years. Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future.”
Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.”
And interim replacement Stewart said: “Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO.”
Man Utd fans, are you excited about the upcoming changes at the club? Tell us in the comments section below.
Arnold's exit comes as part of a wider restructure, with Stewart stepping up from his current role as legal counsel and member of the board. The namesake of the actor is the most senior lawyer at the club and an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Former Juventus chief Jean-Claude Blanc is being considered for the permanent role with Arnold leaving, having joined the club back in 2007. Former British Cycling chief Sir David Brailsford, meanwhile, is set to take up a key role under Ratcliffe, with American billionaire Leon Cooperman reportedly buying one million shares ahead of the official announcement.
Daily Star Sport report that Ratcliffe could make his presence felt at the club from the off by issuing a suggestion to manager Erik ten Hag.
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Chelsea season-ticket holder Ratcliffe is keen on having Jadon Sancho integrated back into the playing squad after falling out with the manager. The pair have barely spoken since their public spat, with Sancho training alone away from the first team.
Ratcliffe is said to be alarmed at how the fall-out escalated, with Sancho costing £73million in 2021. Ten Hag has now moved on from the situation as he tries to turn around United's season, with the Old Trafford outfit now the form side in the top-flight with four wins from five before the international break.
