Manchester United have appointed Rick McGagh as their Head of Fan Engagement in chief executive Richard Arnold's first addition since replacing Ed Woodward.
The appointment has come in a bid to strengthen relations with fans in order to ensure the interests of supporters remains paramount to the club's decision-making.
McGagh arrives in the post as a member of the Fans' Forum and Fans' Advisory Board, and has followed the club home and away for a quarter of a century.
He will take up his new role in April upon the departure of his current role as Head of Internal Communications and Engagement at Children's regulator OFSTED.
He told ManUtd.com : "Our fans want Manchester United to be the best football club in the world, both on and off the pitch.
"Supporters are what makes this club so special, and they should always feel they have the opportunity to contribute their views and be listened to.
“From my discussions with the club about this role, I believe there is a clear commitment to improving how they engage with fans in order to create a stronger partnership and connection between club and supporters.
"I am honoured to have this opportunity to help achieve that.”
United Chief Operating Officer, Colette Roche, added: "Strengthening our relationship with fans is one of the club’s top strategic priorities and this is reflected in our decision to create a new position to coordinate and lead our engagement initiatives.
"Rick’s established relationships within our fan community, coupled with strong communication and engagement experience, makes him uniquely qualified for the role and we are delighted that he has agreed to join.
"We are already making strides towards improved engagement through the launch of the FAB, the strengthening of the Fans’ Forum, and progress towards creating a Fans’ Share Scheme. This appointment marks another step forward in this positive direction."
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