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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tyrone Marshall

Manchester United issue response to viral footage of Richard Arnold meeting with fans

Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold met with a group of supporters in a pub after hearing they had planned a protest outside his house.

Arnold headed off the protest by going to his local pub in Cheshire to meet the fans and held a frank discussion with them, with sections of it covertly recorded and posted on social media.

The 51-year-old took over from Ed Woodward on February 1 and was targeted by protestors who are continuing to try and force the Glazers to sell their stake in United.

READ MORE: Arnold takes swipe at Woodward with United transfer question

Arnold bought the protestors a drink and discussed various aspects of the club with them during the meeting.

A Manchester United spokesman said: "Richard heard that a group of fans had gathered in a pub near his house

"He went to meet them, bought them all a drink, listened to their views, and explained what the club is doing to deliver success on the pitch, improve the stadium, and strengthen engagement with fans."

Arnold discussed the transfer window with the fans and the pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with the 25-year-old Erik ten Hag's top target.

United and Barcelona are still some way apart in their valuation of the player, but Arnold said John Murtough had been working hard on the deal.

"Money is not a consideration on who we want," Arnold said in the video. "The manager wants him [De Jong] and they have actually done the work. He's a great player. Is it £100m or £200m? I don't know. Get who you f***ing want."

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