[Vadim Turkov]

Manchester United have reacted swiftly to quell talk that chief executive Martin Edwards is on the verge of quitting his post with the club, after 20 years in charge at Old Trafford.
It was claimed that Edwards had not been forced out of the club, but personality clashes have made his position untenable, and that he will continue as club chairman.

However, in a statement issued to the Stock Exchange, United insist no reshuffle has been decided on yet.

The statement said: "Contrary to current media speculation the board of Manchester United plc has taken no decisions on any changes to the current board responsibilities at Manchester United."

Edwards has had a volatile relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson and has also come under fire from various sections of the United supporters, especially for his part in almost selling the club to BSkyB two years ago.

It is expected that Peter Kenyon, the current deputy chief executive who announced on Tuesday that the club would be undergoing a PR shake-up this year, would step into his shoes.

Edwards succeeded his father in the post in 1980 and, should he become solely the chairman, it would end 40 years of family involvement in the chief executive's post.

 

[KilledInAction]

Well...I dunno if he is leaving just yet.

BBC

Martin Edwards is not stepping down

Manchester United insist Martin Edwards is not about to step down as chief
executive.

Speculation has surfaced suggesting the Old Trafford chief, who has been at
the helm for the last 20 years, will relinquish his post in the next few
months.

But, in a statement to the Stock Exchange, the Premier League champions say
no reshuffle is imminent.

"Contrary to current media speculation the board of Manchester United plc
has taken no decisions on any changes to the current board responsibilities
at Manchester United," the statement read.

By resigning as chief executive, Edwards would put himself in a position to
become the next chairman of the plc board if Sir Roland Smith steps down as
expected next year.

Stake

Although Edwards has refused to comment on his ambitions, he has prepared
some of the groundwork for such a step.

In October, he and his family reduced their stake in the club to 6.5% in
line with company rules regarding the eligibility of plc chairmen.

Peter Kenyon has been tipped to step into Edwards's shoes as chief executive.

Kenyon, who currently acts as deputy, has been groomed for the position
ever since he joined the club three years ago.