Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold meets with disgruntled fans in a local pub.
Fans reportedly told the money was “not a consideration” in the club’s summer recruitment drive Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold met with disgruntled fans in a pub to discuss the club’s future.
Supporters had planned a protest outside Arnold’s home as part of the ongoing dispute over the Glazer family‘s ownership.
The club’s CEO, who took over for Ed Woodward earlier this year, purchased drinks for the group and discussed a variety of topics, including the owners, financial issues, and United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
When asked about the club’s summer recruitment drive under new manager Erik Ten Hag, Arnold reportedly stated that money was “not a consideration.”
“Richard heard that a group of fans had gathered in a pub near his house,” a Manchester United spokesperson said. He went to meet them, bought everyone a drink, listened to their opinions, and explained what the club is doing to deliver success on the field, improve the stadium, and strengthen fan engagement.”
United have just completed their worst Premier League season in terms of points, finishing sixth with 58 after only 16 wins in 38 games.
The disappointing season took place against the backdrop of ongoing protests against the Glazers.
With the appointment of Dutchman Ten Hag, a new era at Old Trafford is set to begin. The former Ajax manager has taken over for interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who replaced the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Rangnick, a German, was set to remain with the 20-time English champions as a consultant before that plan was scrapped last month.
Social media users have shared videos of Arnold, who did not appear to realize he was being filmed during his discussion with fans.
In terms of the club’s finances, he stated, “We spent a billion pounds on players, more than anyone in Europe.” I’m not thrilled with where we’re at. What happened was that we ran out of money. I don’t believe we’ve spent our money wisely in the past.
“The money that the manager and the director of football want for this summer is there.”
“For the future, for investing in a new stadium and that sort of thing, for doing the latest and greatest £250 million training ground, we have to do something, we have to get investors in.”
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