Manchester United rebuild continues as two senior execs head for the exit

Manchester United's transformation off the pitch continues apace, with the football club announcing its latest executive changes. Interim chief executive Patrick Stewart and chief financial officer Cliff Baty will both leave the company at the end of the current season (United's last scheduled fixture is the FA Cup final on 25 May).

Jean-Claude Blanc, chief executive of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Sport, will temporarily fill United's chief executive position until the formal appointment of new CEO Omar Berrada.

Barrada is due to join United in mid-July, following a period of 'gardening leave' since his departure from Manchester City.

Cliff Baty’s position will be taken by Roger Bell, another member from INEOS Sport.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe of INEOS, who recently became a minority owner of the club, in a statement expressed gratitude towards Stewart and Baty for their contributions during their tenure.

He also emphasized the club's strategic overhaul which aims to restructure the club’s leadership to align with new business and football operations strategies.

It is all part of a broader strategy by INEOS to refine the operational, commercial, and football management aspects of the club, following Ratcliffe's £1.25 billion investment in the club and reflecting his direct involvement in the running of the club.

Media reports range from sports-focused to more business-orientated stories. Certain pieces emphasize dramatic language, which somewhat sensationalizes what are generally anticipated administrative changes that could otherwise be seen as being in line with INEOS' previously communicated plans.