Manchester United are reportedly confident that their recent appointment of Patrick Stewart as the temporary CEO will be a successful one, according to reports.
Patrick Stewart, who was legal counsel at United and a member of the board, will be stepping up as a result of Richard Arnold’s dismissal as CEO.
Arnold, in a statement made by the club, decided to step down from his role. Whether this is true or not will be debated but it is no coincidence he has done so when Ratcliffe’s 25% acquisition in the club is on the brink of being completed.
Stewart, who not many people would have heard of prior to his promotion, has been backed to perform.
United give reasoning for Stewart appointment
According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, the club are confident Stewart will be able to provide them with deep knowledge and stability as they begin their search for a new chief executive officer.
Jean-Claude Blanc is the favourite for this role but, for now, whilst the takeover process is nearing a conclusion, Stewart will remain in an interim position as the CEO.
The report goes on to say that he is a ‘highly experienced and respected figure inside the club and across football,’ whether fans will believe this or not is another question entirely.
Ratcliffe clearout to continue
The 71-year-old has not even taken sporting control of the club yet and the club have already confirmed that Arnold is on his way out of the club.
Two more boardroom members are said to be under pressure from Ratcliffe according to a report from The Mirror. John Murtough, football director, and David Harrison, director of football operations, are said to be targeted next by Ratcliffe.
Paul Mitchell and Jean Claude Blanc have been linked with a role at Old Trafford with Fabrizio Romano confirming the pair are in the running for the jobs that Arnold’s departure and Murtough potential departure will create.
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