'Good riddance' - Manchester United fans in agreement as CEO Richard Arnold set to leave club

Richard Arnold is expected to leave his post as Man United chief executive before the end of the year.

The majority of Manchester United supporters have welcomed the news that chief executive Richard Arnold is set to leave the club before the end of the year.

Arnold, who was appointed CEO in February 2022, replacing Ed Woodward, is expected to leave the club as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to finalise Ineos' purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club. The chemical giant is edging closer to completing a deal understood to be worth around £1.25billion.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News last week, Ratcliffe is understood to have held virtual meetings with United co-chairman Joel Glazer. They are believed to have discussed potential changes to United's structure, including possible personnel changes.

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Arnold's expected departure will mark the first big-name exit of Ratcliffe's plan to review the current sporting structure in place. Football director John Murtough is also thought to be at risk.

News of Arnold's expected departure, though not yet officially confirmed by the club, could mark the beginning of a major shake-up at Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe keen to make changes to get the club moving in the right direction again. It is understood that Patrick Stewart will replace Arnold on an interim basis once Ineos' investment is confirmed, with former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc under consideration for a permanent role.

Though it is only the first step in Ratcliffe's attempt to make key changes to the club's top table, the news has been well received by United's supporters, who are desperate for Ratcliffe, who is a boyhood United fan, to try and make an immediate impact. Many of them believe the decision has been long overdue and will benefit the club as they prepare to move into a new era.