Manchester United's popular marketing director Peter Draper has left Old Trafford to set up his own company.
Draper joined the Red Devils in 1999 after holding a similar position at Umbro but, following United's recent £56million shirt deal with American insurance giant AIG, has opted to pursue other avenues.
Although Draper's departure was actually announced a fortnight ago, he did not leave United until Friday and, while there is bound to be speculation over the precise reasons for his departure so soon after the exit of club doctor Mike Stone, the club insist relations remain cordial and Draper was at the official club party at Old Trafford on Sunday.