Richard Arnold wanted to be different to Ed Woodward - Manchester United fans still wanted him gone

Richard Arnold and Ed Woodward are friends, the pair both graduated from Bristol University and they share the same background in finance. They are Glazer acolytes.

Neither man should have found themselves with such power at Manchester United but a new era is now on the horizon.

Arnold replaced Woodward as the club's kingmaker in February 2022 when he was appointed as CEO, but he's spent just 21 months in that role and his expected departure was confirmed on Wednesday morning.

The full story as Arnold's exit confirmed

VAR footage of United's controversial disallowed goal

The 52-year-old is the first victim of the change of regime as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal for a minority stake is set to be ratified. He won't be the last and his exit was expected along with the arrival of Ratcliffe's investment.

Arnold has been at United since 2007. He acted as the club's managing director from 2013, overseeing huge commercial growth, until replacing Woodward and he sought to distance himself from his predecessor.

That re-brand always seemed like an impossible task given their links and Arnold was ultimately another symbol of the Glazers' shackling ownership, which is why his departure will be celebrated.

Just a few months into his reign as CEO, supporters organised a protest outside of his home and the plan was foiled by Arnold himself, which led to a sit-down conversation in a pub which was covertly recorded and widely shared on social media.

Arnold discussed the Glazers' ownership, protests, commercial business, transfer policy and more. The reaction to the conversation was mixed, but most respected him for having the gumption to meet supporters.

"What’s happened is we have f***ing burned through cash," was the most memorable