15 November 2023 , 13:55
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Patrick Stewart will become Manchester United’s interim chief executive when Richard Arnold departs.
Arnold has only been in the job for a short period having replaced Ed Woodward, but the imminent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe was always going to lead to mass changes with Arnold long expected to move on. Stewart will fill the void and has already taken on the day to day running of the club.
Stewart is currently the club's legal counsel and a member of the board. He is the most senior lawyer, responsible for managing the club’s legal and regulatory affairs, and also serves as an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
He joined the club in 2006 and has been working closely on the minority investment in recent weeks and was appointed to the club’s PLC board at the end of 2022. He is not expected to be in the role long-term with Ratcliffe looking to bringing in his own people once, as expected, his deal goes through.
Jean-Claude Blanc, who has previously served at Juventus chief executive and left a high-profile role at Paris Saint-Germain last December to lead the whole of the INEOS Sport portfolio, is among those being considered to fill the role on a permanent basis.
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Prior to being appointed in Manchester Stewart was part of UEFA's marketing agency for the Champions League - a role he held until landing the United gig. During that period he negotiated media and sponsorship deals.
Patrick Stewart (left) will become the club's interim chief executive (Manchester United via Getty Images)Sir Dave Brailsford, who have previously been the performance director at British Cycling, is set for a key role, at Old Trafford having forged a relationship with Ratcliffe during their time together with Team INEOS, who won the Tour de France back in 2019.
United's current football director John Murtough is currently responsible for the football department and oversaw the appointment of manager Erik ten Hag, who is not thought to be in any immediate danger once Ratcliffe comes on board despite a difficult start to the season.
Arnold said after his departure was announced: "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."