Manchester United has confirmed Richard Arnold will officially become the new CEO, replacing Ed Woodward on February 1.
Woodward’s time in charge has not been a successful one. He replaced David Gill in 2013 when the club won the last of its 20 league titles. Since then, United have suffered an alarming fall in status.
“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,” United co-chairman Joel Glazer said.
Arnold joined United in 2007 and became a director on the board of directors in 2013. He plays an important role in overseeing all business and operational activities at United.
The 51-year-old man worked in the technology sector as well as at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers before ariving at Old Trafford.
Arnold grew up in the north-west of England and graduated from the same University of Bristol as Wooward. Few people expected that the profession Arnold studied was Biological Science.
“I am honoured to have the chance to serve this great club and its fans. I am determined to return that honour in any way I can.” Arnold said.
Arnold would make a more pure CEO than Woodward. That means he will not interfere deeply in football expertise or transfer players. This is part of a leadership restructuring plan that United has implemented since last year.
Director of football John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher remain the main responsible for the transfer, including finding the right player and negotiating the transfer.
Arnold meanwhile, will get reports from both, but he does not intend to be as involved in this work as Woodward. Instead, he will focus on the general management and financial supervision of United.
