The Red Devils are reportedly close to unveiling Richard Arnold as the club’s group managing director to replace Ed Woodward after he quit in the wake of the Super League debacle.
The 49-year-old Woodward who advised the glazer family on their takeover of United in 2005 and became CEO in 2013, has received constant criticism during his time at the helm. Mostly recently following United’s disastrous attempt to join the European Super League.
Following the debacle, Woodward announced he would leave his current role at the end of the year with his replacement expected to be Richard Arnold.
Arnold, the potential replacement graduated from the University of Bristol in 1993 with BSc in Biology, Mathematics, Economics and Accounting. He spent six years at PwC where he worked his way up to the role of senior manager before becoming finance director at GC Europe Ltd.
He then enjoyed five years as managing director at Inter voice group where he turned the company from a “loss-making to a profitable business”-something that will be music to the ears of Manchester United fans.
Arnold was recruited by Manchester United as commercial director in 2007 before assuming the role of group managing director in 2013 and becoming board chairman of the club’s foundation a year after.
The fury among fans at Man United’s attempt to join the Europe Super League was just the latest in a long list of grips leveled at Woodward.
Meanwhile, reports claim a statement confirming Arnold’s arrival could be made within weeks although the decision is yet to be formally agreed upon.
Suppose Arnold is successful, he is likely to take on the title of the chief executive rather than Woodward’s official title of executive vice-chairman.