Richard Arnold leaves Manchester United after 16 years of association; here’s the frontrunner to become the new CEO

Jean-Claude Blanc is the leading candidate for Manchester United's Chief Executive role.

Richard Arnold leaves Manchester United after 16 years of association; here’s the frontrunner to become the new CEO

(L-R) Richard Arnold, Jean-Claude Blanc (Source: via Telegraph and GOAL)

Manchester United chief executive, Richard Arnold will leave the club after spending over 16 years at the club. Arnold will hand over his share of responsibilities at the club which will be given to Interim CEO, Patrick Stewart.

As Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s minority stake purchase nears completion, changes in the Manchester United boardroom are already underway. Patrick Stewart, the chief legal officer at the club since 2006, will serve as Interim CEO during the transition. The future CEO remains uncertain, causing senior figures to question their roles. Jean-Claude Blanc, the former Juventus chief executive and current overseer of the club’s sporting portfolio at the INOES group emerges as a leading candidate for the CEO position, ensuring a potentially smooth transition.

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A strong contender for the CEO role is Sir David John Brailsford, the INEOS Director of Sport. He’s currently working under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, suggesting a preference for internal hires. Manchester United fans desire a more competent board and anticipate changes if Ratcliffe’s acquisition is approved.

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For now, Manchester United fans have to wait and watch as the November international break takes over and what will await them is a tough set of fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League alike.

Manchester United fans are desperate for change

In chats with Manchester United fans, the focus quickly turns to necessary club changes, especially at the top. Although initial reactions to match performances tend to blame players and the manager, United supporters consistently point to what they see as the core problem: the Glazers.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Source: via Telegraph)

After turning down the Qatari offer, many have accepted the prospect of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority ownership. Yet, there’s also excitement among fans, hopeful that the ongoing discussions for change will lead to a better-managed club.

As for now, the club has yet to ratify Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority purchase, and only then can those changes be made. United fans hope with held breaths that these changes do come true.

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