Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans second Man Utd departure after Richard Arnold as £650m details drop
Football news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to take charge of operations at Man Utd
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly considering sacking John Murtough in the wake of Richard Arnold's decision to leave Manchester United.
The 71-year-old is poised to take charge of football operations next week, having agreed to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club.
Arnold confirmed he would be leaving United on Wednesday, with the Red Devils saying in a statement: |Richard Arnold has decided to step down as Chief Executive of Manchester United after 16 years with the club.
"Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO, in addition to his existing role as General Counsel, with Richard continuing to provide transitional support until the end of December.
Football news: Richard Arnold has confirmed his departure from Man Utd
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"A search process will be carried out for a new permanent CEO."
Arnold has left at a time when Ratcliffe is keen to make his mark on United.
And the Telegraph say Murtough may follow his fellow worker out the door, with the 52-year-old's position described as 'vulnerable'.
Ratcliffe knows United haven't been good enough on and off the pitch over the past decade.
That's something he's keen to put right, with the club failing to win a single Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
Murtough has been working as United's director of football since 2021.
He has pulled off big deals for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro, Antony and Jadon Sancho during his tenure.
But United have still got no closer to ending their agonising wait for another league title.
The report says that, regarding Arnold, INEOS chief Jean-Claude Blanc is in the running to succeed him in the role.
When it comes to Murtough, Paul Mitchell and Dougie Freedman are among the early contenders to take over.
Mitchell is held in high regard, having worked wonders at Southampton, Tottenham and Monaco during his career.
Freedman has also earned praise for the work he's done at Crystal Palace.
The report says the Glazers are poised to pocket a staggering £650million from their deal with Ratcliffe.
Yet those hoping the family will use those funds on the club are likely to be left disappointed.
The Glazers are yet to put a single penny of their own cash into United since their takeover back in 2005.
That, among other reasons, is why they're so divisive as owners.
Arnold, meanwhile, has reacted to his departure by thanking everybody for their support.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years," the outgoing United chief said.
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Football news: John Murtough may follow Richard Arnold out of Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to make his mark
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"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 supremo Joel Glazer added: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
"We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.”
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