If Sir Jim Ratcliffe is able to bid successfully for a minority stake in Manchester United, it will ensure at least one person is leaving the club. Laurie Whitwell, a journalist for The Athletic, has reported that CEO Richard Arnold is “likely to leave” should the club come under the new ownership.
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CEO Richard Arnold Will Step Down if Sir Jim Ratcliffe Takes Over
Richard Arnold is likely to leave #MUFC in the event Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid for minority investment gets confirmed.
Arnold was made chief executive in February 2022 but new ownership structure seen as presenting an appropriate time to step away ⬇️https://t.co/k0v3vxFKwV
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 26, 2023
Athletic Article
The Athletic further reported that Arnold, who has been in his position since February 2022, “is expected to leave his role.” His predecessor, Ed Woodward, was only with the club for nine months before his departure following a failed effort to create a European Super League.
The departure of Arnold depends on – if the United board accepts the proposal from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. A total of £1.3 billion is being offered to take control of football matters at the Old Trafford giants. The report notes that “the process could yet take several weeks.” Until then, Arnold remains the CEO at United.
Other Reports on Potential Departure
The Daily Mail also covered this big news. In a process described as “long-winded,” they report the bid will be accepted. Arnold has steered the club during one of their most challenging periods in recent history, which saw United finish third in the Premier League last season, securing a spot in this year’s Champions League.
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Before citing Whitwell and The Athletic later in the article, Nathan Salt noted that Ratcliffe was “a lifelong United fan.” His total stake in the ownership is set to be 25%. Arnold’s expected departure would end a 15-year tenure with the club. He occupied multiple roles throughout his years at Old Trafford and was nominated for various personal awards, including directorship and innovation.
