Man Utd: Richard Arnold to leave role as chief executive ahead of Jim Ratcliffe buying stake in club

Manchester United has announced that their chief executive, Richard Arnold, has decided to step down. In the meantime, Patrick Stewart will take over as the interim CEO, while Arnold will continue to provide support during the transition until the end of December. This decision comes at a time when the sale of a minority stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe is close to being finalized.

Richard Arnold, the chief executive of Manchester United, will leave the club by the end of this year.

Arnold will be leaving United after only two years as the owners finalize the sale of a minority stake to billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

He will give up control of the club right away. Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO, while also remaining as general counsel.

The leadership of United is changing just before confirming that INEOS Sports is acquiring a 25% stake.

Arnold has been at United since 2007. He took over as the top executive after Ed Woodward in early 2022

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.”

Arnold added: “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.”

Ten Hag’s job is not in immediate danger, but he knows that the team’s results need to get better. He would have preferred it if the Qatari takeover had happened, as it would have provided clear and certain direction.

Under Arnold, United won their first trophy in six years by beating Newcastle to win the Carabao Cup, and delivered top commercial deals with adidas and Qualcomm.

The past year has been turbulent due to uncertainty about the club’s ownership.

A review was started by the Glazer family around a year ago, but it is expected to be finished next week with the confirmation of Ratcliffe’s arrival.