Man United makes more executive changes as Jim Ratcliffe's new era takes shape
A general view of Old Trafford stadium on March 11, 2012. John Murtough is stepping down from his position as Manchester United’s football director ahead of the appointment of a new leadership structure at the English club under its new investors. Murtough has worked at United for 11 years in a variety of roles, including in recruitment and the regenerating the academy. Credit: AP/Scott Heppell
MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United announced more changes to its executive structure on Tuesday as the new era under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe continues to take shape.
Interim CEO Patrick Stewart and chief financial officer Cliff Baty will step down at the end of the season by mutual consent, the club said.
Jean-Claude Blanc, CEO of Ratcliffe's INEOS Sport, will take over as chief executive until former Manchester City executive Omar Berrada takes on the role on July 13.
Baty will be replaced by former INEOS Sport chief financial officer Roger Bell.
“I would like to personally thank both Patrick and Cliff for their support in helping us get to know the club and making us feel welcome and I respect their decisions to now move on as we establish a new management team for the club,” said Ratcliffe, who is one of Britain's richest people.
The billionaire owner of petrochemicals giant INEOS bought a 25% stake in United in February, and his investment has already seen a host of major changes at the storied club.
Former CEO Richard Arnold stepped down in November and football director John Murtough left earlier this month.
British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of the INEOS Chemicals company, is interviewed by The Associated Press at the Iffley Road Track, in Oxford, England, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Ratcliffe continued his overhaul at Manchester United by appointing Jason Wilcox as technical director on Friday, April 19, 2024. Credit: AP/Matt Dunham
Ratcliffe's investment, which will eventually rise to a 27.7% stake, has seen him assume control of United's soccer operations.
INEOS director of sport Dave Brailsford and Blanc have joined the board of the soccer club.
As well as the appointment of Berrada, former City academy director Jason Wilcox has been hired as technical director. Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is another target.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
