Richard Arnold to go! Man Utd begin ruthless shake-up after dismal year as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes first significant move ahead of officially joining Red Devils

Arnold replaced Ed Woodward as United CEO just 21 months ago, but it appears that Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees no place for him at Old Trafford. As confirmed by United on November 15, Arnold will leave the club, with Ratcliffe's Ineos Group set to confirm its acquisition of a 25% stake imminently.

Arnold has held several positions at United since 2007, with his short tenure as CEO coinciding with Erik ten Hag's spell as manager. That has seen him come under fire for how United conducted themselves in various transfer windows, with the club's worst start to a season in over 60 years having following the most recent transfer period. Indeed, this summer alone United have brought in Rasmus Hoijlund, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Andre Onana, Jonny Evans, Sergio Reguilon and Altay Bayindir, with the majority of those players having come in for criticism at times in what has been a turbulent campaign so far.

United's general counsel Patrick Stewart will step in as interim CEO, with Arnold initially offering support until his departure. Stewart will continue to perform his existing duties and it remains to be seen who will be brought in as the long-term successor for the CEO position, with the Red Devils confirming, via a statement, that "a search process will be carried out".

The outgoing CEO commented on the club's official website: "It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years. Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future."

Joel Glazer, executive co-chairman, added: "I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO."

"Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO."

United are yet to officially confirm Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club, but are expected to make an announcement on the matter next week. After spending the last 16 years of his career at United, it's unclear where Arnold will go from here. As for the general ownership situation at the club, despite continued fan protests and anger at the Glazers, the Americans are set to remain in place, even after Ratcliffe's decision to invest.