Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues Manchester United clearout as more senior figures depart
interim CEO Patrick Stewart and Chief Financial Officer Cliff Baty will both leave Old Trafford at the end of the season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clearout of the senior off-field figures at Manchester United has continued with the announcement that interim CEO Patrick Stewart and Chief Financial Officer Cliff Baty will leave at the end of the season.
Stewart, who is also the club’s Chief Legal Officer, and Baty are going by mutual consent as they follow Football Director John Murtough in departing, while former Chief Executive Richard Arnold stepped down before the Ineos billionaire’s investment at Old Trafford was completed.
United will have four chief executives in nine months with former Juventus CEO Jean Claude Blanc, a director of the club and an ally of Ratcliffe, taking the role on a temporary basis before Omar Berrada completes his gardening leave and can start on 13 July.
Lifelong United fan Roger Bell, the former CFO of Ineos Sport, will replace Baty, who has been at Old Trafford since 2016 and a director since 2017. Stewart has worked for United for the last 18 years, with his responsibilities including managing the club’s relationships with bodies such as Uefa and the Premier League.
Ratcliffe, who bought a 27.7 per cent stake, has taken control of footballing affairs and is reshaping the club as United are creating a new leadership team around Berrada. Jason Wilcox has joined as technical director while United hope to hire Dan Ashworth as sporting director. He has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle and the two clubs are in a process of arbitration.
The high turnover of personnel is a further indication of Ratcliffe’s dissatisfaction with the way United were run before his arrival. It also heightens a focus on manager Erik ten Hag, another senior figure appointed by the former regime.
United are conscious they have limited leeway within current Premier League financial restrictions and are looking at ways to save money and generate more income as well as to improve results on the pitch.
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.”
Co-owner Joel Glazer added: “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.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments