Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold to Depart Amid Ownership Changes

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Club faces leadership transition as Ineos Group acquires stake, prompting Richard Arnold’s exit and interim appointment of Patrick Stewart.

Manchester United’s Chief Executive, Richard Arnold, is set to leave the club, according to information obtained by BBC Sport. The 52-year-old assumed the role in February 2022, succeeding Ed Woodward. His impending departure coincides with Ineos Group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, finalizing its acquisition of a 25% stake in the Premier League giants.

While the departure is yet to be officially confirmed, Ineos Group is poised to pay approximately £1.25 billion for the minority purchase, expected to be ratified during November’s international break. General counsel Patrick Stewart will step in as the interim chief executive during the transition period, representing the club at key meetings.

The six to eight weeks between the announcement of the Ratcliffe deal and its Premier League confirmation will limit Ratcliffe’s involvement in club operations during this time.

Richard Arnold has decided to step down as Chief Executive of Manchester United after 16 years at the club.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 15, 2023

Richard Arnold, who joined Manchester United in August 2007 and previously served as the club’s managing director, recently oversaw significant sponsorship agreements with Adidas and Qualcomm. However, his handling of the Mason Greenwood situation drew criticism, with conflicting messages regarding the player’s status after legal issues.

Arnold’s tenure has seen both successes, such as the appointment of current manager Erik ten Hag leading to a Carabao Cup victory, and challenges, including a turbulent 2022-23 season with the dismissal of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and a sixth-place finish.

The news of Arnold’s departure comes amidst ongoing fan protests against the Glazer family’s ownership, with discontent expressed in various forms, including a notable incident in May 2021 causing the postponement of a league match against Liverpool.

For the time being, Manchester United faces a period of transition both in its executive leadership and ownership structure, with further details expected to unfold in the coming weeks.