December 20 (THEWILL) – In the coming days, Manchester United is due to name Richard Arnold as the club’s new CEO.
Arnold presently serves as United’s Managing Director, and his promotion to the top job is unsurprising. He formerly served as the Red Devils’ Commercial Director and has long been considered the frontrunner to succeed current executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Following the failure of the European Super League proposal in the spring, Woodward announced his departure from Old Trafford in the new year. For the time being, it is understood that he will remain at the club as a consultant.
Despite the fact that Arnold is Woodward’s de facto replacement in the hot seat, he will have a different job title, according to Sky News. He is expected to be named CEO, marking the first time the role has been filled since David Gill stepped down in 2013.
Arnold’s hiring is expected to coincide with a number of changes in the boardroom’s attitude, though no substantial reorganisation is planned. In the summer, one of the incoming CEO’s most important jobs will be to hire a permanent management.
Ralf Rangnick is in interim control until the end of the season, after which he will move into an advising role for the next two seasons.
Before settling on Rangnick as a short-term solution, the club’s top two targets were Brendan Rodgers of Leicester City and Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired last month, both individuals were said to be ready to take the post permanently, but they were passed over for Rangnick.
The duo will most certainly be on United’s summer shopping list, though a lot can happen between now and then.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
