Ed Woodward speaks out as he starts new job amid exit of Manchester United successor Richard Arnold

Former Manchester United vice-president Ed Woodward has landed a new job amid the exit of his successor, Richard Arnold, from Old Trafford.

Arnold is set to leave the club by the end of the year after 16 years of service, having operated as the club’s chief executive officer since Woodward’s exit in February 2022. Patrick Stewart has been appointed as interim CEO, giving the incoming Sir Jim Ratcliffe time to select his suitor.

The 71-year-old is due to take sporting control of the club upon his £1.3billion acquisition of 25 per cent of United. Arnold was always tipped to leave with Ratcliffe said to be spying a review of the boardroom.

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Woodward, meanwhile, took on his first role post-United in May when he became a non-executive director of educational esports company Estars. The 52-year-old has now announced he has taken on new positions at artificial intelligence business SentientSports as strategic advisor and non-executive board member.

Speaking on his new role, Woodward said: "The blend of sports and AI technology at SentientSports is truly cutting-edge. With some of the industry's leading AI talents involved, I see tremendous potential for innovation and expanding global digital fanbases.

"I'm thrilled to be part of such a dynamic company with the potential to revolutionise the global digital sports landscape."

Woodward, who advised the Glazers on their 2005 purchase of United, was not a popular figure among fans. Many pinned the blame for the club’s failures after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement at his door.

He had spent 16 years at the club having become vice-chairman in