Departing Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will reportedly choose his own successor before he leaves the club.
The Red Devils announced on Tuesday that Woodward is to step down from the position that he has held since 2012 at the end of the year.
The decision is believed to be linked to the backlash from the European Super League proposals.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the 49-year-old's last major decision before departing Old Trafford will be to select who replaces him in the job.
United's last three chief executives - Woodward, David Gill and Peter Kenyon - have all been internal appointments.
That could make Richard Arnold, who is currently managing director, the favourite to land the position.
Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar has also been tipped to take over from Woodward, while chief financial officer Cliff Baty is another contender.
