Major boost for Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd return hopes as CEO Richard Arnold leaves club before ‘takeover’

HOPES of Mason Greenwood returning to Man United may have been given a boost today – after the man who sacked him leaves the club.

CEO Richard Arnold will depart Old Trafford before the end of the year.

AFP

Richard Arnold is set to leave his role as Manchester United CEO[/caption]

Manchester United General Counsel Patrick Stewart has been appointed interim CEOGetty

Greenwood sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exileRex

Patrick Stewart, United’s general counsel, will remain in post but also be interim CEO.

Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following his January 2022 arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault which saw him suspended from the club.

He was charged in October that year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.

It was Stewart who helped conduct an internal Man United investigation into Greenwood which ruled he should return.

But Richard Arnold did not follow this recommendation.

He was previously reported to have been considering giving the star a second chance following an internal investigation by the club.

But backlash from fans and protests outside Old Trafford saw Arnold reconsider and he sent Greenwood packing.

In a statement in August, Man United said they “recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.

They said his exit was the “most appropriate” result from the saga, adding: “We will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”

Arnold added: “This case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.”

The controversial striker, 21, sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exile.

There is no suggestion Patrick Stewart will bring Greenwood back.

Arnold had been United’s CEO since succeeding Ed Woodward in February, 2022.

He entered the football world when he joined United in 2007, initially being appointed a group commercial director.

It comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport is set to confirm its acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club.

Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said in a statement: “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.”