Manchester United have appointed Andrew Ward to the new role of head of corporate and commercial communications, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

A lifelong United fan, Ward was a journalist at the Financial Times for 19 years, with roles including White House Correspondent and UK News Editor. Most recently he has been a managing director of strategic communications at the global business consultancy firm FTI Consulting.

The Red Devils also announced the hiring of Rachel Fraser as the club's first head of internal communications. Fraser has held senior internal comms leadership and business roles at both Manchester Airport Group and the BBC.

Both will report to United's director of communications, Charlie Brooks.

In addition, Greg Mailer has become the club's corporate communications manager, reporting to Ward. Mailer previously worked as head of marketing and communications at the Scottish Football Association (SFA), after holding a similar role at Scottish top-tier soccer side Hibernian. He also spent six years at Uefa as a venue and marketing manager.