Man Utd make decision on future of chief executive Richard Arnold

Manchester United have confirmed that chief executive Richard Arnold is leaving his role at the club.

The 52-year-old was appointed as Ed Woodward's successor less than two years ago, but is expected to depart Old Trafford as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group finalises their 25% minority investment in the club.

Confirmation of Ratcliffe's purchase is expected in the near future, and with the stake he acquires Ratcliffe is also expected to take over sporting operations at the club, which are currently overseen day-to-day by Arnold and John Murtough, the club's football director.

Arnold's time as United CEO has been challenging to say the least, and he has come in for widespread criticism for the management of Mason Greenwood following legal accusations against the player, who is now on loan at Getafe. The club faced a backlash after it emerged there was an intention to re-integrate Greenwood into the United first team, only for the club to perform a u-turn.

In a statement on Wednesday, United said: "Richard Arnold has decided to step down as Chief Executive of Manchester United after 16 years with the club.

"Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO, in addition to his existing role as General Counsel, with Richard continuing to provide transitional support until the end of December. A search process will be carried out 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."

90min understands that Ratcliffe will be appointing a new chief executive and sporting director, though permanent appointments are not expected to be official until December at the earliest. It's anticipated that Patrick Stewart, who has been at United since 2006, will step into Arnold's role on an interim basis before the full time appointment to the position has been confirmed.

Jean Claude Blanc, who joined INEOS last year after time at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, is one of the contenders to take the role as CEO on a full time basis, though nothing has been confirmed as yet. Paul Mitchell, formerly of Monaco and RB Leipzig, is among the contenders to take over as sporting director.

Sir Dave Brailsford, a long term colleague of Ratcliffe, is also set to be involved in the running of the club.

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