Joel Glazer sends message to Richard Arnold following confirmation of Manchester United departure

Man Utd have confirmed that Richard Arnold will leave the club at the end of the year amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's planned investment.

Joel Glazer has thanked Richard Arnold for all his work at Manchester United ahead of his departure from the club at the end of the year.

United officially announced on Wednesday lunchtime that Arnold will step down as Chief Executive Officer after 16 years with the club.

Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO in addition to his existing role as general counsel, with Arnold continuing to provide transitional support until he leaves the post at the end of December.

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In a press release to announce the departure, Glazer said of Arnold: “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.”

Arnold has been at United since 2007 and played a huge role in their commercial growth as a club during this time. He was appointed chief executive in February 2022, following Ed Woodward’s exit as executive vice chairman.

The 52-year-old was always expected to depart once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club was made official, with the deal expected to be ratified during November's international break.

United are yet to confirm Ratcliffe’s proposed £1.3billion investment, but Arnold's departure is one of a number of changes expected as part of the British billionaire's review of the current sporting structure in place.