Man Utd announce 'changes to executive leadership'

Manchester United have announced the departures of interim CEO Patrick Stewart and CFO Cliff Baty as part of their behind-the-scenes shakeup under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Ratcliffe has already moved to appoint Manchester City's Omar Berrada as CEO starting from this summer, and temporary predecessor Stewart will leave the club altogether at the end of his tenure.

Stewart's exit and Berrada's start date were both confirmed by United late on Tuesday.

A club statement read: "Manchester United has made two further changes to its executive leadership.

"By mutual consent, Patrick Stewart, interim Chief Executive Officer, and Cliff Baty, Chief Financial Officer, have decided to leave the club at the end of the season. Patrick will be replaced as CEO by Jean-Claude Blanc until the arrival of Omar Berrada on 13 July. Cliff Baty will be replaced as CFO by Roger Bell."

Ratcliffe said: "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."

United co-owner Joel Glazer commented: "I would like to thank Patrick and Cliff for their dedicated service to Manchester United and wish them well for the future. Both have been a source of invaluable advice and expertise over many years, and Patrick has served an important role as interim CEO during this transitional phase."

In addition to these changes at boardroom level, United have already appointed Southampton's Jason Wilcox as technical director and talks are ongoing with Newcastle over the release of sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The plan is for Wilcox and Ashworth to assume the responsibilities of outgoing football director John Murtough, whose 11-year run at United has come to an end.

Meanwhile, speculation remains rife over the future of manager Erik ten Hag following a terrible 2023/24 season. United are now unable to secure a top-four finish and could slide out of the European places altogether in the final weeks of the campaign, though they have the chance to salvage some pride in a second-successive FA Cup final against rivals City.

The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with Ten Hag's job in recent months, while the Dutchman is attracting interest from former club Ajax.

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