Richard Arnold is set to leave his role as Man United Chief Executive after over a decade at the club, MySportDab reports.
Manchester United confirmed the imminent departure of Richard Arnold in a club statement which reads;
“Richard Arnold has decided to step down as Chief Executive of Manchester United after 16 years with the club.”
Following the development, the club also confirmed Patrick Stewart will be incharge of the club in the meantime as interim CEO while Richard Arnold prepares to leave.
Arnold will not leave the club immediately as he is expected to aid the smooth transition and handing-over to Patrick Stewart.
United club statement adds Richard Arnold will leave the club in December 2023 and the search for a permanent replacement to take over the role from Patrick Stewart has began.
Reacting to Richard Arnold’s departure, Manchester United owner and Co-Chairman Joel Glazer 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.”
Richard Arnold 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.”
Richard Arnold’s Man United exit is not coming as surprise as it follows the anticipated changes in the club’s hierarchy due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover deal with the Glazers.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take charge of Man United football operations and it is expected other high-profile officers of the club will tender their resignation in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to seal his partial ownership deal but is nearing the completion of the process.
Richard Arnold became Manchester United Chief Executive in 2007 two years when the Glazers bought the club.
He is the first high-profile to leave the club as United prepares for a new dispensation under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
