RICHARD ARNOLD will be named new executive vice-chairman at Manchester United after Ed Woodward steps down.
Arnold, 50, is currently group managing director.
He assumes the new role at the end of the year.
That will make him the main man answering to United’s American-based owners, the Glazer family.
SunSport understands the appointment has been ratified by co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer.
But an official announcement is not due until nearer the end of the year.
Arnold has been Woodward’s long-term right-hand man and the appointment will complete a seamless transition at the top.
He previously worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
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Arnold joined United as commercial director in 2007 and was promoted to managing director in 2013.
He was behind the opening of United commercial offices in London, Hong Kong and New York.
Woodward decided to step down after the club’s failed bid to join a breakaway European Super League.
He was understood to have been opposed to the move, which sparked widespread protests at Old Trafford.
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