Man Utd chief Richard Arnold 'to leave the club' with Juventus man tipped to replace him

Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold is to leave the club by the end of the year in a huge shake-up at Old Trafford.

Man United have confirmed Arnold's departure and will come shortly before Sir Jim Ratcliffe's confirms the purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club, according to a report.

It's claimed Ratcliffe made the decision to remove Arnold from his position of CEO as Man United approach fresh investment.

Juventus CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, who currently oversees INEOS Sport's entire portfolio, is already under consideration to replace Arnold.

Man United's general counsel, Patrick Stewart, has been named interim CEO in addition to his existing role.

Arnold has been Man United's CEO since February 2022, succeeding Ed Woodward in the role.

Arnold's departure will come after a year of uncertainty about the club's ownership, with an announcement on that front expected next week.

The outgoing CEO said: "It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years. Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans.

"I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future."

Ratcliffe, meanwhile, is closing in on his acquisition of Man United, having fended off competition from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim, who withdrew his bid having had his offer rejected by the Glazers.

Richard Arnold in the stands for a Manchester United game. Image: Getty

The British billionaire is set to pay £1.4 billion to purchase a 25 per cent stage in the club from the club's American owners.

His minority stake still needs to be ratified by a 12-person board, which Arnold is one of the 12.

The deal is expected to be ratified during this month's international break.