David Gill to step down as Manchester United chief exective

The 55-year-old, who has been nominated for this year's Uefa committee elections, will step down from his role at the end of June.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill at the club's soccer school in Abu Dhabi.

David Gill is to step down as Manchester United chief executive at the end of June, after 10 years in the role.

Gill, who joined United as finance director in 1997, will be replaced by current executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

"It has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United," said Gill, who will remain a director of the club.

The 55-year-old chartered accountant, who was named vice chairman of the English Football Association in October 2012, has been nominated for UEFA's executive committee elections this year.

"I am looking forward to continuing my involvement on the club board," Gill said.

"I hope to be able to make a contribution to the game on a wider national and European level.

He took over as chief executive at Old Trafford following the departure of Peter Kenyon to Chelsea, retaining the role after the club was controversially taken over by the Glazer family in 2005.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, described the departing chief executive as 'magnificent'.

"Of course, we have had a million arguments, but I have always enjoyed them because I know that David has two great qualities: he is straight and he always puts Manchester United first," he said.

"No disagreement is ever personal with him. He always wants the best for United, whether it's the players, the training ground or the staff."

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