The dust has now settled on Richard Arnold's discussion with Manchester United fans. The unanimous verdict from the covertly recorded footage is that Arnold deserves respect for talking to supporters, but that his words have no value without action.
Arnold discussed the Glazers, protests against the ownership, transfer strategy and more. There was a moment in the viral footage when Arnold talked about the structure of transfers and said: "Here's the money. John [Murtough], you are the f****** director of football, Erik [Ten Hag] you are the manager, who do you want?". He waved his hands to suggest the process was simple.
Murtough was appointed United's inaugural football director last year and he's been given more power following Arnold's promotion to chief executive. Ed Woodward was hands-on with transfers during his time as executive vice-chairman and Arnold is aware of his predecessor's mistakes. Murtough is responsible for recruitment and he liaisons with Ten Hag on the matter.
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United confirmed the appointment of Andy O'Boyle as the club's inaugural deputy football director last month after he vacated his role as the head of elite performance at the Premier League to support Murtough, who once occupied that very position.
It's thought O'Boyle's arrival will free up around two-thirds of Murtough’s working week. O'Boyle will aim to remove plenty of distractions from his daily inbox and allow Murtough to focus on the first-team and, most importantly, summer recruitment.
Frenkie de Jong is Ten Hag's priority signing but United and Barcelona remain apart in their valuation of the player. Ten Hag also wants to sign Christian Eriksen, who is available on a free transfer this summer after a six-month loan at Brentford.
Although it would be symbolic of the Glazers' penny-pinching regime if United's first signing of the summer is a free transfer, Eriksen would represent a shrewd addition. The player left Inter Milan by mutual consent last summer after suffering a cardiac arrest at the European Championship, but he proved he remains a classy operator in midfield after signing a short-term deal with Brentford.
After signing in January, Eriksen contributed one goal and four assists in 10 appearances in the Premier League and he actually averaged the most Expected Assists (xA) per 90 minutes in the top flight. Eriksen clearly retains all of his ability.
He added composure to Thomas Frank's midfield and he looked a yard ahead of his teammates when Brentford visited Old Trafford in May. Eriksen made a strong impression, despite United beating Brentford 3-0 that night in the final home game of the season.
Eriksen sent a reminder of his talent and United fans sent a reminder of their class, although the latter was never truly in doubt. The 30-year-old received a warm welcome from Old Trafford, with his walk to each corner met by rapturous applause.
United fans recognised what Eriksen had gone through and applauded him for his return to football. It was a heartwarming moment and something the player clearly appreciated, as he applauded back. Frank thanked United supporters after the game.
That gesture from United fans might help this summer's pursuit of Eriksen. Tottenham are interested in re-signing him and it's believed the player would prefer to remain in London, the city where he was settled for seven years and where he had his firstborn.
Considering Eriksen's history with London and that Tottenham have Champions League football to offer, Ten Hag's proposal to Eriksen will have to be perfect. The way that Eriksen was treated when he played at Old Trafford may also enter his thought process.
United supporters' gesture to Eriksen was classy and they obviously weren't expecting anything to come from it at that time, however, they might have unknowingly played a part in his signing this summer, if Murtough can successfully play his part.
Eriksen turned down the chance to sign for United in 2019 and fans will be hoping history doesn't repeat itself.
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