Next Manchester United chief executive might have the same problems as Richard Arnold

The winds of change are beginning to blow through Old Trafford. Richard Arnold's decision to step down as chief executive as Sir Jim Ratcliffe nears completion of a deal to acquire 25% of the club is the first move in what could yet become a significant restructuring.

Arnold's decision to depart was made on his own terms, but his position was always going to come under scrutiny once Ratcliffe's INEOS group got their feet under the table. They might only be taking a minority stake in the club, but it is set to come with a substantial say in its operation, particularly on the football side of the business.

In time that could also see football director John Murtough come under the spotlight, or a restructuring that appoints a sporting director above him. Sir Dave Brailsford is also likely to have some involvement.

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As for Arnold's replacement, for now it is legal counsel Patrick Stewart stepping up into the interim role after 17 years at the club, but the favourite is Jean-Claude Blanc, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus chief executive who joined INEOS in February.

If that appointment is confirmed, the decision to replace a marketing man with an executive steeped in football will clearly indicate a change of strategy. Arnold spent 16 years working for United and was credited with transforming the club's commercial operations before replacing Ed Woodward in the top job in February 2022.

But rugby was always the first love for the University of Bristol student and he was in Paris this autumn for some Rugby World Cup games. He made positive changes from the Woodward era and deserves credit,