Richard Arnold breaks silence as departure from Manchester United confirmed

Richard Arnold is set to leave Man Utd in the next six weeks as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on a minority stake at the club.

Richard Arnold has described his time working for Manchester United as an 'incredible privilege' ahead of his departure. Arnold is set to leave United at the end of the year and the news of his scheduled exit emerged on Wednesday morning.

The club have now officially announced Arnold, who holds the position of CEO at Old Trafford, is to leave before the end of 2023 and he'll depart having held different positions at United.

Arnold has been at United since 2007 and he acted as the club's managing director from 2013, overseeing huge commercial growth, until replacing Woodward last year.

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He's spent just 21 months as the club's CEO and he sent a message to supporters following the announcement of his exit.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years," a statement from Arnold read.

"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.”

Many felt Arnold's position was untenable following the handling of the Mason Greenwood situation and he was always expected to leave once Ratcliffe's deal for a minority stake had been ratified.

Ratcliffe is expected to make further changes to the sporting structure after the deal for his minority stake is completed, with speculation also surrounding John Murtough's role as football director.