The new year could see new executive leadership at Manchester United with Richard Arnold poised to replace Ed Woodward. Reportedly, United is prepared to make this announcement to the New York Stock Exchange. 

Currently, Arnold is the managing director of the group, and is next in line after Woodward, who has held the executive vice chairman title since 2012. However, Arnold will not step into this position, instead becoming the chief executive. This will make him one of the most recognized and powerful figures in the sports world of Britain. Meanwhile, Woodward is expected to stay on in a consultancy role. 

Also Read | Premier League managers to meet over COVID concerns

Arnold, who was the commercial director at the company will become the first to hold the CEO title for the Old Trafford-based club since David Gill gave up the position in 2013. 

Reportedly, once Arnold steps into the role, a series of changes are expected in the way the company runs. However, they are not likely to be structural changes. Since Woodward announced his intention to depart back in April 2021, Arnold was the most suitable successor by all accounts. 

Also Read | 5 reasons why Sergio Aguero will be recalled as Manchester City legend

The decision to step down only came from Woodward after the entire European Super League (ESL) fiasco, where several top Premier League clubs were involved. After fans vehemently protested the new league, the clubs abruptly withdrew from the idea. One of the loudest voices of dissent arose from Old Trafford, and a United fixture with Liverpool had to be postponed at the time, due to this unrest. 

Also Read | Champions League round of 16 draw: All you need to know

Even with the change in management, mistrust has run high within the United fanbase, ever since the Glazers took over in 2005. Tensions further escalated when the opposition hardened after the ESL incident. At the time, a contrite Joel Glazer issued an apology, saying, “We continue to believe that European football needs to become more sustainable throughout the pyramid for the long-term. However, we fully accept that the Super League was not the right way to go about it.” 

Now, they are prepared to finalize a fan ownership plan, in conjunction with the Manchester United Supporters Trust.