Richard Arnold will replace Ed Woodward as Manchester United’s most senior executive come February. Woodward started his intention to step down as the club executive chairman last spring amid the fallout from the doomed European Super League project. 50-year-old Arnold, who joined United in August 2007 and has been the club’s managing director since 2013, will not take Woodard position.
He will become chief executive in a change of title from Woodward. Speaking on his new role, Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer said: I would like to thank Ed for his tireless work on behalf of Manchester United during his nine years as executive vice-chairman and 16 years with the club.” “We are now looking forward to Richard and his leadership team opening a new phase in the club’s evolution, with ambitious plans for investment in Old Trafford, the strengthening of our engagement with fans, and the continued drive towards our most important objective winning on the pitch.”
Woodward’s time in charge has not been a successful one. Woodward took over from David Gill in 2013 when the club won the last of its 20 league titles. Since then, the club has suffered an alarming fall in status. In that time, they won the FA Cup in 2016, plus the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017.
However, they have failed to pose any threat to the top teams in the English Premier League. Arnold has been in charge of day-to-day operations at Old Trafford and is widely credited with building bridges with United’s major fans groups. In his previous role as commercial director, he was viewed as one of the biggest influences behind the club’s huge commercial growth.
Speaking on his new position, he aside: “I am honoured to have the chance to serve this great club and its fans.” He also said. “I am determined to return that honour in any way I can.” Woodward will remain on the football club board until the end of the season, which will involve attending a couple of meetings.
However, he will not stay in a consultancy role as had previously been suggested.