Richard Arnold the frontrunner to replace Ed Woodward at Manchester United
According to The Guardian, the Manchester United managing director, Richard Arnold is leading the race to replace Ed Woodward as the club’s top man this year.
Woodward has held the position of executive vice-chairman for nine years now. He took over from the legendary David Gill in 2012 and has since experienced mixed success in the role.
The 49-year-old investment banker will leave the club this year, prompting the club to look for a replacement. It would appear that the club is keen to promote from within.
Arnold currently has overall responsibility for the club’s commercial affairs. Both he and John Murtough report to Woodward. The current structure is expected to continue.
Others in contention are Cliff Baty, United’s chief financial officer, and Hemen Tseayo, the head of corporate finance.
Baty, appointed in 2016, is in charge of the financial control of United and is among the board of directors.
Tseayo, a former banker and accountant, joined United in 2012 and played a major role in their floatation on the New York Stock Exchange. He is also privy regarding broadcasting rights and Super League planning.
Same drink, different bottle?
Interestingly, both Woodward and Arnold have a good relationship with each other. The latter is also close to the Glazers.
While Woodward’s reign has helped further our commercial interests, it is on the field that he has failed to replicate David Gill’s work. This has led to fans not being too happy with his performance in the role.
How they will react having to deal with yet another version of him in Arnold remains to be seen.
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Should the Glazers consider an external candidate, former Manchester United star Edwin van der Sar is a popular choice.
He has worked as the CEO at Ajax Amsterdam for the last five years and also played a role in United signing Donny van de Beek last summer. Ajax is one of the finest clubs when it comes to recruiting and developing talent and Van der Sar’s experience would be a welcome addition at United.
