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| Manchester United’s chief executive officer Richard Arnold takes his seat for the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 6, 2022. |
Richard Arnold was quizzed by disgruntled Manchester
United supporters after he met them at a local pub in order to stop protests
against the Glazer family from taking place outside his house.
The United chief executive, who replaced Ed Woodward
in the role on February 1, discussed the club’s pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie
de Jong, Erik ten Hag’s transfer wish-list and the Glazer ownership during the
meeting.
Arnold met the fans at a pub in Cheshire after
hearing they were going to launch an anti-Glazer protest on Saturday.
He explained in detail what the club is doing to
deliver success on the pitch, his plans to improve the stadium and how he wants
to strengthen engagement with the fans.
One supporter took to Twitter on Saturday evening to
say he was one of the fans who met Arnold.
In a series of tweets, the fan claimed Arnold gave
the Manchester United fans a “scripted speech” and that he said his “hands are
tied because he’s not getting the investment he needs to make Manchester United
great again”.
One of the fans in attendance appeared to record a
part of their conversation with Arnold which has been leaked on social media.
Sections of United’s fanbase have criticised the
board for failing to make the first signing of the Ten Hag era despite the
window only opening last Friday.
United are trying to prise top summer target De Jong
away from Barcelona but they are yet to agree a fee with their European rivals.
Sources say there is a gap at present of between €10
million to €15 million in guaranteed money from United’s proposal to
Barcelona’s demands.
It is not the first time United fans have stated
their dislike for the Glazer family.
A protest organised by “The 1958” group took place ahead of their home match against Norwich City in April.
Anti-Glazer banners had been displayed on the
outskirts of Old Trafford, while some protesters marched with signs and flares.
A small group of fans, including some from “The
1958”, had gathered at the club’s Carrington training ground the day before the
Norwich match — and also expressed their displeasure towards the Glazers.
In April 2021, their home fixture against Liverpool
was postponed after a large number of protesters made their way onto the pitch.
There were thousands of supporters outside Old Trafford,
who were protesting against the Glazers and the club’s involvement in the
failed Super League.
Later that month, a banner reading “£2bn stolen
#Glazers out” was flown over Elland Road ahead of United’s league game against
Leeds United.
United have been contacted for comment.
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