Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes another big change behind-the-scenes at Man United... as a former Chelsea and Man City employee switches to Old Trafford in a key role

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made another significant change as he continues to transform Manchester United’s off-the-field operation.

Mail Sport understands that Toby Craig, formerly of Chelsea and Manchester City, is to become Old Trafford’s new chief communications officer.

Craig, who worked with incoming chief executive Omar Berrada at the Etihad Stadium, will replace the outgoing Ellie Norman.

Norman arrived at United from Formula One in September 2022 and will now take gardening leave before heading to a new role outside of the club in October.

Despite the job title remaining the same, it is thought the role has been substantially rescoped. While Norman was also tasked with marketing, brand, content and fan engagement, Craig’s focus is likely to surround communications and public affairs.

The move tallies with INEOS’s drive to ensure football, and what happens on the pitch, is the priority under their watch.

United’s plans to build a new Old Trafford, or revamp the existing stadium, are also likely to play a major part in the reshaped position.

The news was relayed to staff at United this morning (TUE). It is the latest development since Ratcliffe and INEOS took a 25 per cent stake in January and set about revamping the club’s inner workings as they seek to return them to the top of global football.

Craig spent eight years at City before leaving his role as director of corporate affairs to head to Stamford Bridge in September 2022. He departed Chelsea, where he was director of communications and public affairs, at the end of last year.

Craig will report to Berrada, when he joins United on July 13 but will start his role on Wednesday. 

Ratcliffe and INEOS are attempting to turn United’s workforce into a lean, high-performing operation. As part of the process they have made it compulsory for staff to work from the club’s offices in Manchester or London rather than from home. An email sent to workers last week offered early payment of an annual bonus should they not wish to return to the office and instead resign by Thursday.