Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd chief Richard Arnold has 'melting pot of problems' as 12 players may lead exodus
MANCHESTER UNITED are braced for big changes over the next few months.
Rangnick insists Man Utd players are adapting to his methodsx
The January transfer window presented Manchester United with some difficulties as no new signings were made, but the hard work is only just beginning for Richard Arnold. Ed Woodward has stepped down from his position as executive vice-chairman with Arnold now taking up the reins this week.
It's set to be a challenging start to life for United's newly-appointed chief executive.
The main focus will be on Ralf Rangnick to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League while there will also be hopes of some silverware in the Champions League and FA Cup.
But with Rangnick set to step aside in the summer with a new manager taking his place, Arnold is tasked with finding his replacement.
And a club source told The Telegraph that Arnold faces a "melting pot of problems" in trying to steer United in the right direction.
JUST IN: Man Utd could suffer double transfer blow due to Bellingham stance
It is claimed that United's owners want a new manager in place as soon as the season is over.
Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are touted as the two favourites to take over from Rangnick.
While appointing the right man to come in will prove pivotal, there are a number of issues for Arnold to resolve with the playing squad.
The report states there is uncertainty on the futures of 'up to 12 players' with the likes of Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani all running down their current contracts.
DON'T MISS
Jesse Lingard has reportedly been given a few days off after his deadline day frustrations at not securing a move away from Old Trafford.
Both Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial did manage to find a new temporary club in January and United's next manager will have a decision to make on both players.
A host of first-team regulars are also set to enter the final year of their contracts with deals for Marcus Rashford, David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo all expiring in 2023.
There are said to be options for all players to have their contracts extended to June 2024, but that only gives United a short extension.
It's a lot for Arnold to take on in his first few months as United's chief executive with every decision set to be scrutinised.
The difficulty in planning for the summer transfer window is that no final decision has been made on who the next manager will be.
Both John Murtough and Darren Fletcher have been given 'greater autonomy' on transfer dealings.
But any plans made now will also likely need approval from United's next manager, who will similarly have targets of his own.