Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold to leave club as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plan takes shape
Richard Arnold will leave his role as Manchester United's CEO, in has been announced.
The club made the announcement on Wednesday that Arnold would leave after 16 years at United.
talkSPORT understands it was the INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decision to remove Arnold from his position of CEO as the club approach fresh investment.
British billionaire Ratcliffe is set to complete his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in United imminently.
Arnold first joined the Premier League giants as a group commercial director in 2007 before working his way up the ranks.
He then replaced Ed Woodward as their CEO in February 2022 before a year of uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of the club.
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Patrick Stewart will become United's interim CEO, with Arnold set to leave by the end of December.
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.”
Richard Arnold, outgoing CEO, said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years.
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"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.”
talkSPORT understands that Jean-Claude Blanc is the leading contender to become their new CEO.
Blanc has worked for both Juventus and Paris St Germain and is employed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group to oversee their sporting portfolio.
Speaking on Arnold's upcoming departure, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan told talkSPORT: “Richard Arnold's been asking for this. He hasn't exactly set the heather on fire, has he?
“From walking into the business and deciding to meet a group of people in a pub and having been recorded. To the manner in which he handled Mason Greenwood's situation. To the manner in which they bungled the [Cristiano] Ronaldo situation.
“To the commercials around Man United that are beginning to become under pressure because they're not quite getting the same deals as they once did before. Irrespective of the Team Viewer shirt sponsorship. So I think he's asking for it.
“Now, whether it's a coincidence or whether it is a by-product of Ratcliffe coming in and making some changes and wanting to be more involved because I don't think the Glazers particularly want to be involved. They don't come to games.”
Amid his initial minority investment, Ratcliffe wants to eventually have overall control of the club from the Glazers.
They announced in November 2022 that they are 'exploring strategic alternatives' for United and have demanded £6billion for the club.
Ratcliffe, along with Sheikh Jassim bin Al Thani, were both leading the race to complete a takeover at Old Trafford.
However, the Glazers had always been reluctant to sanction a full sale of United and Sheikh Jassim pulled out of the running.
Ratcliffe is now set to succeed with his 25 per cent stake and their current owners look set to remain in charge.
United fans have continuously protested against the Glazers amid a lack of success on the pitch in recent years.
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