Sir Jim Ratcliffe's thoughts on Richard Arnold emerge after swift Man Utd exit

05 December 2023 , 21:24

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's thoughts on Richard Arnold emerge after swift Man Utd exit

Sir Jim Ratcliffe played no role in Richard Arnold's exit from Manchester United earlier this month, it has been claimed.

Arnold announced he would stand down from his role as chief executive by the end of the year. The news, which was confirmed in a statement, came shortly after it emerged Ratcliffe had agreed a £1.3billion deal with the Glazer family to purchase a minority stake in his boyhood club.

The Ineos chief will assume control of sporting operations once the deal is formally ratified and is expected to bring in his people behind the scenes. However, it has now been outlined that he had no bearing on Arnold's decision to quit his role.

According to The Mail, Ratcliffe did not ask Arnold to leave the club, although he recognised 'the writing was on the wall' and decided to jump before he was pushed.

The report goes on to outline that football director John Murtough, another who has been heavily linked with an exit, is keen to stay and work within Ratcliffe's new set-up, which is likely to be fronted by his right-hand man, Sir David Brailsford.

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After weeks of delays, Ratcliffe's deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club is expected to be ratified at the start of next week - over a year after the Glazer family first invited proposals from outside investors back in November 2022. Co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer will remain involved at the club and work alongside Ratcliffe.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe played no role in Richard Arnold's Manchester United exit (Eamonn and James Clarke)

While Ratcliffe is likely to implement changes away from the pitch, it was previously outlined that Erik ten Hag's role is safe. The Dutchman remains under pressure, though.

Mirror Football exclusively revealed earlier this week that Ten Hag is facing a dressing room revolt as several members of the United dressing room are disillusioned with him.

The Red Devils have made their worst start to a season in the Premier League era this year and have now lost 10 of their 21 matches in all competitions after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle over the weekend.

United will be aiming to bounce back at home to Chelsea in midweek before another home match against Bournemouth at the weekend. They then have a do-or-die meeting with German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Dan Marsh