Mr Stewart takes over from Richard Arnold who steps down after 16 years with the club. Mr Stewart will retain his existing role as general counsel, with Mr Arnold continuing to provide transitional support until the end of December.

Mr Stewart attended Aberdeen Grammar School from 1984 to 1990 and thereafter obtained an LLB from Glasgow University. He qualified as a solicitor in the late 1990s, working at Burness Paull and Maclay Murray & Spens.

In 2001 he joined UEFA’s marketing agency for the Champions League, holding that role until he moved to Old Trafford.

He joined Man Utd in 2006 and became chief legal officer and general counsel.

He said: “Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, both on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO.”