Manchester United’s incoming chief executive Richard Arnold has allegedly reached out to Gary Neville in an attempt to ‘build bridges’ with prominent ex-players who have openly criticised the club, particularly the Board.
Manchester United’s incoming chief executive Richard Arnold is said to be keen on building bridges with ex-players who have criticised the club – starting with Gary Neville.
Arnold – officially taking over from the outgoing Ed Woodward on February 1, apparently is desirous of a smoother relationship with United legends, many of whom are prominent and highly vocal in the media.
Arnold, the current Group Managing Director, is said to have already reached out to Neville as the first of many, with Paul Scholes next on the list expected to hold talks with him in the coming months.
Neville had been particularly critical of Woodward on the back of his bungled European Super League plans last year, saying that he knew the latter’s time in football had come to an end.
The Athletic reports the news of contact between Arnold and Neville a week before his official change in role.
United confirmed earlier this month that:
“Manchester United has announced that Richard Arnold, formerly Group Managing Director, will become Chief Executive Officer of the Club, effective from 1st February 2022.
“Ed Woodward will step down from his role as Executive Vice-Chairman, also effective from 1st February 2022.”
Executive Co-Chairman Joel Glazer added: “I would like to thank Ed for his tireless work on behalf of Manchester United during his nine years as Executive Vice-Chairman and 16 years with the club.
“We are now looking forward to Richard and his leadership team opening a new phase in the club’s evolution, with ambitious plans for investment in Old Trafford, the strengthening of our engagement with fans, and continued drive towards our most important objective – winning on the pitch.”
Neville had said of Woodward on Sky Sports: “We obviously don’t know why the timing is now.
“The leeches could’ve thrown him under the bus or it could’ve been the sensible thing has happened. Ed Woodward knew it would get hot in the kitchen and he had to get out of there.
“Every single executive who sits at the Premier League table, on these UEFA and FIFA committees, they need throwing out of that club. There is no way they can be trusted.
“Ed Woodward knew his time in football was finished. Ed Woodward is the trunk of the tree, we now need to go for the roots.”