Home » Richard Arnold distances himself from Ed Woodward era with telling comment

Richard Arnold distances himself from Ed Woodward era with telling comment

by Adam Leadbeater

Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold’s position at the club will be a topic that is up for discussion if and when a new owner is announced in the near future.

Controlling shareholders, the Glazer family, are in the process of considering bids for the sale of the club or partial investment that would allow them to remain in control.

If a sale does take place, it is likely that the new owners will want to install their own person in the CEO role, although Arnold could be given a reprieve if he is considered to still be the right man for the job.

Arnold took the reins of the day-to-day running of the club from former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who stood down after his involvement in the ill-fated European Super League project.

Unlike his predecessor, Arnold has little interest in footballing matters at Old Trafford, according to The Athletic.

An example of the CEO’s preference to stay away from the dressing room came in May 2022, following United’s victory in the FA Youth Cup Final.

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reports that as it felt only right that everyone at the club had the chance to celebrate, newly appointed director of football John Murtough wandered down to the Under 18’s dressing room to congratulate the team and asked Arnold if he’d join.

“That’s the football area, not mine,” Arnold insisted.

Diehard United fans will be all too familiar with the attitude ever since Arnold took charge as CEO on February 1, 2021.

Rather than micro-managing, something Woodward has long been accused of, Arnold has instead installed a firm emphasis on delegation in an attempt to distance himself from the previous regime.

Reportedly placing his trust in heads of departments, such as the aforementioned Murtough, Arnold has given each the power to make important sporting decisions.

Whether that approach and the success it has brought will earn him the chance to continue his work under new ownership, only time will tell.

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