da fezbet: Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will leave Old Trafford before the end of the year as the club prepare for Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment.
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United CEO Arnold to leaveSir Jim Ratcliffe investment imminentPatrick Stewart to take over duties in the interimWHAT HAPPENED?
Arnold replaced Ed Woodward as United CEO just 21 months ago, but it appears that Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees no place for him at Old Trafford. As confirmed by United on November 15, Arnold will leave the club, with Ratcliffe's Ineos Group set to confirm its acquisition of a 25% stake imminently.
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Arnold has held several positions at United since 2007, with his short tenure as CEO coinciding with Erik ten Hag's spell as manager. That has seen him come under fire for how United conducted themselves in various transfer windows, with the club's worst start to a season in over 60 years having following the most recent transfer period. Indeed, this summer alone United have brought in Rasmus Hoijlund, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Andre Onana, Jonny Evans, Sergio Reguilon and Altay Bayindir, with the majority of those players having come in for criticism at times in what has been a turbulent campaign so far.
WHO WILL REPLACE ARNOLD?
United's general counsel Patrick Stewart will step in as interim CEO, with Arnold initially offering support until his departure. Stewart will continue to perform his existing duties and it remains to be seen who will be brought in as the long-term successor for the CEO position, with the Red Devils confirming, via a statement, that "a search process will be carried out".
WHAT HAS ARNOLD SAID?
The outgoing CEO commented on the club's official website: "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."