First Man Utd player speaks about changes Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be making at the club

Man Utd defender Victor Lindelof has become the first player to address Richard Arnold's exit from the club ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's radical overhaul.

On Wednesday, United confirmed chief executive Arnold would be leaving Old Trafford after 16 years as Ineos founder Ratcliffe's deal for a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils nears completion.

Arnold will provide 'transitional support' until the end of December. He's been in his current role since Ed Woodward's departure in 2022.

In a statement published on United's official website, Arnold 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."

United players are currently away on international duty and likely thought they'd have a break from the takeover chaos.

It's been nearly a year since controversial owners, the Glazer family, confirmed they'd be open to selling.

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The speculation has reportedly impacted Erik ten Hag's side on the pitch.

United are currently sixth in the Premier League after a run of four wins in five, although performances are unconvincing.

Lindelof, who scored the winner in Saturday's 1-0 win over Luton Town, addressed Arnold's departure during a press conference ahead of Sweden's 3-0 defeat to Azerbaijan in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

The defender said: "I just received an SMS about it. He is a person I like very much. I think he did very well and represented the club in a nice way.

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"It is sad that he has to leave. I’ll have to call or text him later to thank him in person."

Lindelof is one of the longest-serving players at United after joining from Benfica in 2017. He's featured 15 times in all competitions this term.

Among the names mentioned as part of Ratcliffe's rebuild are Dougie Freedman, Paul Mitchell and Paolo Maldini.

Ratcliffe will reportedly turn to former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks to get the 20-time champions back to former glories.