Richard Arnold: Manchester United chief executive steps down, Patrick Stewart to take interim charge

Richard Arnold has stepped down from his role as Manchester United’s chief executive.

Arnold, 52, has been with United since 2007, acting as the club's managing director from 2013. He replaced Ed Woodward as chief executive in February 2022.

His departure from Old Trafford was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon and comes amid strong speculation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to buy a 25% stake in the club in a proposed £1.3 billion investment.

Board member Patrick Stewart has been appointed interim chief executive.

Arnold oversaw the appointment of Erik ten Hag in 2022 as United won their first trophy in six years with a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final in February this year.

But United have made an indifferent start to the 2023/24 campaign, losing five of their 12 Premier League games and three of four UEFA Champions League matches.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years," said Arnold.

"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.”

United's executive co-chairman Joel Glazer thanked Arnold for his "outstanding service", adding: "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.”

Off the field, there has been uncertainty surrounding United's future ownership. In November last year, the Glazer family announced it was "commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives".

According to reports, the arrival of Sir Jim - Britain's richest man - could be confirmed during the international break.

Ratcliffe owns Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, a third of the Mercedes F1 team, and Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team. The Ineos group also owns Ligue 1 club Nice and Swiss club Lausanne.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.