Manchester United Welcomes Jean-Claude Blanc as New CEO Following Richard Arnold’s Departure

Manchester United, through their social media handle, announced on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, that Richard Arnold will step down from his position as the club’s CEO.

Richard Arnold spent a decade and a half at the club and had formerly replaced Ed Woodward as CEO in February 2022. Sources have verified that INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is set to purchase 25% of the club, was the author of this decision; however, at the time of writing this post, it is still unclear why the decision was made and who is behind it.

An interim CEO, Patrick Stewart, will be selected to oversee the club pending a decision on who is going to be the new CEO and when the appointed person assumes office.

Manchester United have several names on their radar, with Jean-Claude Blanc at the top of the list at the moment for this job at Old Trafford.

Jean-Claude Blanc, who has worked for both PSG-Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, is currently working for the INEOS to spearhead and oversee their sporting portfolio.

Jean-Claude Blanc, with his rich experience, is one of Europe’s most experienced sports marketing executives, especially having held such a position at PSG-Paris Saint-Germain in the past.

Blanc was chairman of Juventus from 2009 until May 2010. With all this experience in management, it can be said that the 60-year-old has a very beautiful portfolio.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is nearing closing on his purchase of 25% of the stake in the club. He is a British billionaire and businessman who is a lifelong Manchester United fan.

Last November, the people who own United said they were looking into different options. Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim were interested in taking over at Old Trafford. But the Glazers didn’t want to sell the whole club, and Sheikh Jassim decided not to pursue it further.