Manchester United CEO set to leave

By Peter Ochieng

Manchester United Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Arnold is on his way out of the English Premier League (EPL) giants.

The Old Trafford club in a statement on Wednesday said he had decided to step down as Chief Executive of Manchester United, after 16 years with the team.

He will officially leave at the end of December, 2023. His departure comes as British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe edges closer to becoming a minority stakeholder.

52-year-old Arnold has been at the club since 2007, and replaced Ed Woodward as United's top executive in February last year.

Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO, in addition to his existing role as General Counsel. A search process will then be carried out for a new permanent CEO.

Joel Glazer, Manchester United’s 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 endeavors. 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.”

The outgoing CEO said: “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.”

Patrick Stewart, the incoming interim CEO said: “Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO.”

Manchester United have endured some sort of a difficult start to the 2023/2024 premier league season. The club currently lies out of the top four positions.